Simulation and analysis of methane thermal decomposition in an aerosol flow reactor
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY, vol.219, no.1, pp.1-11, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 219 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.154020
- Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
- Journal Indexes: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Artic & Antarctic Regions, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, Environment Index, INSPEC
- Page Numbers: pp.1-11
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- İstanbul Ticaret University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The thermal decomposition of methane represents a significant pathway for producing high-purity hydrogen. Aerosol flow reactors, particularly when coupled with concentrated solar energy, are considered highly suitable for this thermochemical process. This study presents a comprehensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model of methane decomposition within an aerosol flow reactor. The model integrates coupled phenomena, including gas flow dynamics, chemical reaction mechanisms, radiative and convective heat transfer, and a discrete phase model for carbon particles. The development of a generalized, predictive model is crucial for reactor optimization, and CFD modeling offers rapid prediction capabilities. Consequently, this work validates a novel CFD model against previously published experimental and theoretical data from an Aerosol Quartz Flow Reactor (AFR). The model computes methane decomposition rates and the spatial dispersion of components (H2, C, CH4) under various feeding rates and temperature profiles.