Duma, Zama GSwartbooi, Ashton MMusyoka, NM2024-10-312024-10-3120240926-860X1873-3875https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2024.119703http://hdl.handle.net/10204/13798The thermocatalytic decomposition (TCD) of methane is an attractive alternative to produce low-carbon hydrogen and solid carbonaceous materials. In this study, substituted LaNi1-xCuxO3 perovskite catalysts prepared via self-combustion method were investigated for methane TCD. The effect of Ni partial substitution with Cu, varying gas hourly space velocity, temperature and stability on methane conversions were evaluated. PXRD, H2-TPR, SEM-EDS, TGA, and XPS were used to characterize the catalysts. An increase in Cu loading to 50%, increase in temperature and decrease in GHSV resulted in an improvement in methane conversions to 92%. At a GHSV of 2400 ml/gcat.h, no significant deactivation was observed as the stability of the LaNi0.5Cu0.5O3 catalyst increased from 6 to 20 hours’ TOS with methane conversions maintained at 92% where carbon nanofibers were observed on the surface of the spent catalysts. The study demonstrates the potential to prepare LaNi1-xCuxO3 catalysts and identify optimal testing conditions for the novel production of low-carbon hydrogen with minimal catalyst deactivation.FulltextenSolid carbonaceous materialsPerovskiteGas Hourly Space VelocityLaNiCuO3ArticleN/A