Researchers at Virginia Tech, in collaboration with Asbury College and industry partner Shepherd Chemical Co., are embarking on a project to revolutionize hydrogen fuel production. The initiative, supported by a $1.3 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, seeks to develop a novel method for converting methane into clean hydrogen while capturing valuable carbon byproducts.
The predominant industrial method for hydrogen production, methane steam reforming, unfortunately generates carbon dioxide, a significant pollutant. This new research aims to overcome this challenge through a process called catalytic methane decomposition, which, in theory, can separate hydrogen from methane without emitting harmful greenhouse gases.
“The core challenge we are addressing is producing clean hydrogen, a crucial clean energy carrier, without the concurrent emission of CO2,” stated Sheima Khatib, a chemical engineering professor at Virginia Tech and co-leader of the project.
A key aspect of the project involves the development of innovative catalysts that can efficiently facilitate the separation of hydrogen from methane. Professor Khatib’s team is focusing on exploring mixed metal oxides with the goal of identifying a patentable catalyst. Simultaneously, researchers at Asbury College, led by chemistry professor Wilson Shafer, will concentrate on reactor engineering to optimize the process and prevent the build-up of solid carbon deposits on the catalysts, a common obstacle in catalytic methane decomposition.
The project’s industry partner, Cincinnati-based Shepherd Chemical Co., will play a vital role by conducting techno-economic analyses to assess the feasibility and scalability of the developed process. Robert Hart, Shepherd’s Research and Development Leader, will provide crucial feedback to guide the university-based research and development efforts.
“Our collaboration with Virginia Tech and Asbury College aligns with our commitment to exploring innovative and sustainable chemical processes,” commented Hart. “We look forward to contributing our industrial expertise to help bring this promising technology closer to commercial viability.”
If successful, the catalytic methane decomposition process will not only produce clean hydrogen for various applications, including electricity generation and transportation, but will also yield solidified carbon. Professor Khatib noted that this carbon byproduct can be further processed into high-value nanofibers or nanotubes with applications in medicine and energy, enhancing the economic viability of the overall process.
Furthermore, the project includes a significant K-12 education component led by Amy Price Azano, Director of the Center for Rural Education at Virginia Tech. This aspect will involve workshops for STEM, chemistry, agriculture, and career and technical education teachers from Southwest Virginia, aiming to enhance their understanding of energy sources and consumption and integrate the project’s scientific principles into their curriculum.
The ultimate goal of this collaborative research effort is to develop a commercially viable technology for clean hydrogen production, paving the way for partnerships with industries seeking sustainable energy solutions and creating new economic opportunities in regions like Appalachia.
