Abstract
The performance of a 5% Sr-promoted Fe catalyst on CH4 decomposition was investigated with the aid of catalysts to produce hydrogen gas and carbon. The catalysts consisted of 20% Fe and support mixtures of Al2O3 and SiO2 in various ratios (Al2O3/SiO2: 100/0.00, 90.0/10.0, 80.0/20.0, and 0.0/100.0). The catalysts were prepared via the impregnation method, calcination temperatures of 800 degrees C and 900 degrees C, and activation temperature at 800 degrees C. BET, XRD, H-2-TPR, and TGA characterizations were employed to describe the physicochemical properties of the catalysts (SA-0, SA-10, SA-20, and SA-100). For the catalyst supported only with silica, no reaction was observed for all the considered temperatures. The Al/Si-20 catalyst calcined at 900 degrees C and reacted at 800 degrees C gave the optimal average hydrogen yield of about 80%. The Al/Si-20 sample promoted with 5% Sr provided a higher average H-2 yield of around 84%. Moreover, the Sr-promoted catalyst improved stability by depressing the carbon deposition by 26%.