Methane Pyrolysis
Methane pyrolysis is a process using heat to break down methane into hydrogen and carbon. Through the pyrolytic decomposition of the natural gas methane, under high temperatures (>1000 °C), hydrogen and solid carbon atoms can be directly split from one another at a ratio of 1:3. This comparatively energy-efficient process could also be combined with the catalytic reaction of hydrogen with CO2 to form synthesis gas through reverse water-gas shift (rWGS). The process makes use of immediate waste heat recycling.
Stage of Life Cycle
Products and Processes
GHG Reduction Potential
Methane pyrolysis process mitigates CO2, as the C-atoms of hydrocarbon are converted directly into valauable solid carbon. There are zero direct CO2 emissions in molten metal methane pyrolysis processes. 110 Mt CO2e/ year by 2050.
Solution Maturity Status
Newly established:
Stages where the technology concept is approved but has not been widely incorporated except by few companies.