The utilisation of carbon materials from methane pyrolysis

R&D Focus Areas:
Fossil fuel conversion

Lead Organisation:
The University of Sydney

Partners:
Hazer Group Ltd, Nanjing Yuanchang Ad. Mater. Co. Ltd

Status:
Active

Start date:
March 2025

Completion date:
March 2029

Key contacts:
Professor Yuan Chen: yuan.chen@sydney.edu.au

Funding:
AUD$1,163,166 – Australian Research Council (ARC) Industry Fellowship

Project total cost:
AUD$2,762,112 – includes cash and in-kind contributions

Project summary description:
Methane pyrolysis is a low-emission hydrogen production method that directly splits natural gas or biogas into hydrogen and solid carbon. However, a technological gap exists in dealing with solid carbon. This project aims to economically utilise carbon coproducts from catalytic methane pyrolysis using Australian iron ore catalysts. Carbon structures will be optimised during synthesis, and a new electrochemical purification method will be scaled up to obtain high-purity carbon materials. Value-added applications of unpurified and purified carbon coproducts will be demonstrated for wastewater treatment and different types of batteries, reducing solid waste and enabling significant cost offsets for hydrogen production.

Related publications and key links:
Grant – Grants Data Portal

Higher degree studies supported:
Two PhD students and two Post doctoral researchers are supported.

 

January 2025