Recent Advances in Electrified Methane Pyrolysis Technologies for Turquoise Hydrogen Production

Hossein Rohani, Galina Sudiiarova, Stephen Matthew Lyth () and Arash Badakhsh ()
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Hossein Rohani: Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
Galina Sudiiarova: Department of Government and Public Policy, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
Stephen Matthew Lyth: Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
Arash Badakhsh: Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-27

Abstract: The global campaign to reach net zero will necessitate the use of hydrogen as an efficient way to store renewable electricity at large scale. Methane pyrolysis is rapidly gaining traction as an enabling technology to produce low-cost hydrogen without directly emitting carbon dioxide. It offers a scalable and sustainable alternative to steam reforming whilst being compatible with existing infrastructure. The process most commonly uses thermal energy to decompose methane (CH 4 ) into hydrogen gas (H 2 ) and solid carbon (C). The electrification of this reaction is of great significance, allowing it to be driven by excess renewable electricity rather than fossil fuels, and eliminating indirect emissions. This review discusses the most recent technological advances in electrified methane pyrolysis and the relative merits of the mainstream reactor technologies in this space (plasma, microwave, fluidised bed, and direct resistive heating). This study also examines the economic viability of the process, considering energy costs, and the market potential of both turquoise hydrogen and solid carbon products. Whilst these technologies offer emission-free hydrogen production, challenges such as carbon deposition, reactor stability, and high energy consumption must be addressed for large-scale adoption. Future research should focus on process optimisation, advanced reactor designs, and policy frameworks to support commercialisation. With continued technological innovation and sufficient investment, electrified methane pyrolysis has the potential to become the primary route for sustainable production of hydrogen at industrial scale.

Keywords: hydrogen; methane pyrolysis; methane decomposition; electrification; solid carbon; reactor (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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