Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to CO2-free and/or low-CO2 methods of co-producing hydrogen and solid forms of carbon via natural gas decomposition using microwave radiation. The methods are efficient, self-sustaining, and environmentally benign. In a further aspect, the disclosure relates to recyclable and recoverable catalysts useful for enhancing the disclosed methods, wherein the catalysts are supported by solid forms of carbon. Methods for recycling the catalysts are also disclosed. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to compositions, processes, and devices for conversion of acetylene to hydrogen and carbon nanomaterials. In a further aspect, the disclosed methods comprise microwave irradiation of a feed stream comprising acetylene in the presence of a catalyst. Also disclosed are compositions produced by the disclosed methods. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects of a method for contacting a methane composition with a catalyst system to produce H2 and a carbon co-product. In some aspects, the catalyst system comprises (i) a Ni—Cu alloy catalyst comprising Ni and Cu, and (ii) a support. In some additional aspects, the Ni and Cu are present at a Ni:Cu mass ratio ranging from greater than zero to 4.5. Also disclosed herein are aspects of a method for making the disclosed catalyst system.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to CO2-free and/or low-CO2 methods of co-producing hydrogen and solid forms of carbon via natural gas decomposition using microwave radiation. The methods are efficient, self-sustaining, and environmentally benign. In a further aspect, the disclosure relates to recyclable and recoverable catalysts useful for enhancing the disclosed methods, wherein the catalysts are supported by solid forms of carbon. Methods for recycling the catalysts are also disclosed. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.