Abstract: The method of the present invention is a microwave bond cleavage of a first hydrocarbon compound, the first hydrocarbon compound in a liquid phase and substantially non-aqueous, to a second compound having a shorter carbon chain than the first hydrocarbon compound. The method has the steps of exposing a combination of the first hydrocarbon compound with a supported catalyst having a carrier of a non-metallic amorphous solid with at least one catalytic metal dispersed therein to microwave energy thereby converting the first hydrocarbon compound into the second hydrocarbon compound, and recovering the second hydrocarbon compound. Advantages of the present invention include use of a low cost supported catalyst at ambient temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is for producing at least hydrogen from a gaseous hydrocarbon. The gaseous hydrocarbon is selected from the group consisting of methane, ethane, butane, propane and combinations thereof. The method proceeds by exposing the gaseous hydrocarbon with the supported catalyst to microwave radiation. The supported catalyst has a support of a lattice of a non-metallic amorphous solid and at least one catalytic metal having atoms interspersed throughout the lattice of the support. A preferred embodiment is a lattice of carbon with at least one catalytic metal interspersed throughout the lattice. Examples include char.