Production of hydrogen from methane without CO2-emission mediated by indium oxide and iron oxide

Production of hydrogen without CO2-emission and a safe storage method of hy drogen are expected for the fuel-cell era in the next century. In order to meet this expectation, the authors proposed a new method for the storage an d production of hydrogen from methane mediated by indium and iron oxides. F irst, methane is decomposed into carbon and hydrogen on a Ni/SiO2 catalyst at > 673 K. The hydrogen is used for the reduction of metal oxides into red uced metal oxides. The reducing potential of hydrogen is preserved in the r educed oxides that can be stored under open-air at room temperature and tra nsported safely. The contact of the reduced oxides with water vapor at 673 K quickly regenerates pure hydrogen without carbon oxides (CO, CO2). (C) 20 01 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Sci ence Ltd. All rights reserved.