Research Centre for Hydrogen and Carbon -- Strategic Core Research Area (SCoRe A+) Hydrogen and Carbon

University of Mining Leoben

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Open for Collaboration

Short Description

Since 2020, research activities in the field of the two valuable materials, hydrogen and carbon, have been consolidated in the Strategic Core Research Area "(SCoRe A+) Hydrogen and Carbon" at Montanuniversität Leoben. The central core research area is methane pyrolysis, which enables CO2-neutral production of hydrogen and high-purity carbon from methane.

The promising research results led to the decision in late 2021 to further research methane pyrolysis on a larger laboratory scale in order to make a significant contribution to the implementation of this technology. The existing infrastructure in this area is consolidated in a core facility.

In addition to the pyrolysis of methane using two different methods (liquid metal bath and plasma), a hot gas filter for separating solid carbon and a membrane unit for purifying the product gas are also integral components of the research in the pilot plant. The pilot plant enables the production of up to about 2 kg of hydrogen and 6 kg of carbon per hour.

The infrastructure also includes various devices for the characterisation and processing or refinement of carbon.

Contact Person

Robert Obenaus-Emler

Research Services

• Continuous methane pyrolysis trials:
o Liquid‑metal reactor and plasma reactor
o Input gas flow up to 12 m³/h
o Parameter variation (temperature, pressure up to 10 bar)

• Biomass pyrolysis experiments

• Gas conditioning and purification:
o Hot‑gas filtration for continuous solids removal
o Membrane separation stage for H2-enrichment and product‑gas purification
o Post‑combustion chamber for safe treatment of residual components

• Process analytics and monitoring:
o Online gas analysis (IR/FTIR, MS)
o Pressure measurement, mass and energy balances
o Emissions and safety monitoring

• Material and product characterization:
o Carbon analysis: BET surface area, particle size distribution, Raman, XRD, SEM/TEM, TGA/DSC
o Sample preparation, fractionation, and application‑oriented upgrading

• Processing and upgrading of carbon materials
o Crushing, fractionation, and classification
o Agglomeration and application-oriented conditioning
o Production and investigation of biochar for metallurgical applications

• Process development and scale‑up:
o Experimental design (DoE), reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, heat/mass transfer
o Operating point determination, continuous long‑term operation

• LCA support

• Workshops, joint pilot campaigns

Methods & Expertise for Research Infrastructure

At the Research Centre for Hydrogen and Carbon of Montanuniversität Leoben, experimental methods are used to investigate and develop thermochemical processes, particularly for the conversion of carbon-containing feedstocks.

Core methods include methane pyrolysis in liquid metal and plasma reactors, biomass pyrolysis to produce biochar, and gas treatment and carbon separation technologies. In addition, mechanical processing steps such as crushing, classification, and agglomeration are carried out.

The research center has extensive expertise in the design and operation of high-temperature reactors, process development (kinetics, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer), and the coupling of process conditions with material properties. Particular focus is placed on tailoring carbon morphology and purity to the intended application.

The infrastructure is complemented by comprehensive process analytics (online gas analysis, mass balances) and material characterization. This enables elucidation of reaction mechanisms, optimization of processes, and investigation of scale-up-relevant challenges.

Equipment

Terms of Use

For all uses, the General Terms and Conditions of Montanuniversität Leoben apply: https://www.unileoben.ac.at/agb/
In addition, the Core Facility’s internal safety and operating instructions apply (provided on a project-specific basis). For individual arrangements, please contact us at: wfz@unileoben.ac.at