Sodium Carbonate-Modified activated carbon catalysts for enhanced hydrogen production via methane decomposition

[Display omitted] •Factors that affect catalytic performance of AC is parametrically studied.•Na2CO3-modified AC for efficient hydrogen production via methane decomposition.•Larger specific surface area facilitates the adsorption and dissociation of CH4.•Na₂CO₃-modified AC shows superior performance due to porosity and active sites.•Surface oxygen-containing functional groups improve catalytic activity and stability. Hydrogen is a clean and renewable energy source with significant potential for decarbonizing energy systems. Methane decomposition offers a sustainable method for hydrogen production without the emission of COx gases, making it as an attractive alternative to conventional methods like steam reforming. However, the high energy consumption associated with methane decomposition presents a challenge. To address this challenge, this study explores the modification of activated carbon (AC) with sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) to enhance its catalytic efficiency in methane decomposition. Various concentrations of Na2CO3 were used, and the catalysts were thoroughly characterized using XRD, SEM, and N2 adsorption–desorption techniques to evaluate their porosity, surface area, and crystallinity. The results indicate that Na2CO3-modified AC significantly reduced the degree of graphitization, resulting in a disordered carbon structure with enhanced porosity. This structure effectively enhances the catalytic activity of AC, with the optimal catalyst being AC-2Na2CO3. After 150 min of reaction, the methane conversion rates at 850 °C, 900 °C, and 950 °C are 17.18 %, 20.19 %, and 31.33 %, respectively, representing increases of 5.19 %, 5.69 %, and 5.32 % compared to the unmodified catalyst. These improvements are attributed to the creation of more active sites for methane adsorption and dissociation. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of Na2CO3-modified AC as an efficient catalyst for methane decomposition, offering a viable pathway for sustainable hydrogen production with reduced energy consumption.