Master's thesis: Climate positive hydrogen production via biomethane pyrolysis
A techno economic analysis of catalytic and non-catalytic production techniques.
Background
Many industries, including iron and steel, chemical, and refineries, need climate- and energy-efficient hydrogen production for their green transition. Hydrogen production via (bio)methane pyrolysis (MP) has recently attracted great interest. The process involves the decomposition of methane (CH4) in an oxygen-free environment into hydrogen gas (H2) and solid carbon (Cs) according to the following reaction.
CH4(g) → 2H2(g) + Cs, ∆H° = +74 kJ/mol
This results in a CO2-free production. The solid carbon enables simplified storage ((BE)CCS). Alternatively, the carbon product can replace existing materials, e.g. carbon black, which its production today results in a large CO2 emission. Compared to water (H2O) electrolysis,
H2O(l) → ½O2(g) + H2(g). ∆H° = +286 kJ/mol
only 13% of the energy is theoretically needed to produce 1 mol of H2 which is one of the biggest advantages with the MP technology. MP can be divided into two categories, catalytic-, and non-catalytic. In catalytic MP, the goal is to lower the activation energy of the CH4 reaction mechanism to reach a high selectivity of H2 and Cs at moderate reactor temperatures (<1000°C). Catalysts based on transition metals can decompose CH4 at temperatures as low as 500 to 600°C, however, they are susceptible to rapid deactivation due to Cs depositions. To overcome this issue, molten metal catalysts have been developed that allow for high CH4 conversion (95 %) at a temperature of 1065 ℃ without the production of intermediate species while the produced Cs can be easily removed and collected since the Cs floats on the surface of liquid catalyst [Science 358 (2017) 917-921]. Recent development of a ternary NiMo-Bi liquid alloy catalyst has lowered the reaction temperature down to 800 °C with 100% H2 selectivity and 80% CH4 conversion efficiency [Science 381 (2023) 857-861].
MSc thesis project
LTU together with RISE in Piteå are currently building up competence in both catalytic and non-catalytic MP and we think it is an appropriate area for students interested in contributing to renewable production of hydrogen. Laboratory scale equipment exists for both techniques where the yields of hydrogen and Cs as a function of reactor temperatures have been determined.
The main objective with the MSc is to perform a mass balance/energy analysis/technoeconomic analysis of both catalytic and non-catalytic MP and highlight under which circumstances one technique is beneficial over the other. The mass balance/energy analysis is preferably performed in the program Aspen Plus.
Competence of the MSc thesis candidates
Background in energy technology.
Terms
Location: Piteå
Starting date: January 2026 with the exact date agreed upon with the recruiting manager after acceptance to the program
Credits: 30 points
Compensation: 1,333 SEK per credit after project completion and approval
Welcome with your application!
Candidates are encouraged to send in their application as soon as possible but at the latest November 24, 2025. Suitable applicants will be interviewed as soon as applications are received. If you have any questions please contact Christopher Mueller. christopher.mueller@ri.se
- Category
- Student - Thesis
- Locations
- Piteå
About RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB
RISE is Sweden’s research institute and innovation partner. Through our international collaboration programmes with industry, academia and the public sector, we ensure the competitiveness of the Swedish business community on an international level and contribute to a sustainable society. Our almost 3300 employees engage in and support all types of innovation processes. RISE is an independent, State-owned research institute, which offers unique expertise and over 130 testbeds and demonstration environments for future-proof technologies, products and services.