November Chemaraderie
Pyrolysis of Methane for Low-Cost, Low-Emission Hydrogen Production
Dr Mehdi Jafarian
R&D Manager
Hazer Group
Abstract
Hazer Group is developing a novel technology for hydrogen production through the catalytic cracking of methane. This process also produces graphite, a valuable by-product that can help offset the cost of hydrogen production.
This presentation provides a high-level comparison of methane pyrolysis technology with other hydrogen production pathways. It discusses the thermodynamic basis of the methane pyrolysis reaction, with the aim of identifying the key characteristics and design considerations required for the operation of methane pyrolysis reactors and processes. The presentation also reviews and classifies the various technological approaches to methane pyrolysis and highlights how Hazer's technology differentiates itself from other methane pyrolysis technologies.
Speaker Bio
Dr Mehdi Jafarian holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Chemical Engineering and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Adelaide. He has more than 20 years of combined industrial and academic experience, including over 10 years in industry leading process engineering, technology development, R&D management, and the scale-up of emerging energy technologies from concept through to commercial deployment. He has led multidisciplinary teams and technology development programs spanning laboratory research, pilot-scale validation, demonstration, and commercialisation.
His expertise encompasses methane pyrolysis, hydrogen production technologies, CO₂ capture, renewable energy systems, solar thermal energy, and energy storage. Dr Jafarian has served as lead or co-inventor on seven inventions, two of which have been adopted by industry partners for commercialisation.
efore transitioning to industry, Dr Jafarian spent more than 10 years in academia as a Senior Lecturer and Senior Researcher at the University of Adelaide, conducting research and supervising postgraduate students in advanced energy and process engineering. His unique blend of industrial and academic experience enables him to bridge fundamental research with practical engineering solutions.
Evening details
Date: Wednesday 11th November
Time: 5.30 pm Refreshments and registration
6.00 pm WA Branch AGM
6.40 pm Intermission
6.45 pm Chemaraderie Presentation
To be followed by more networking, and light catering (Expect catering even better than pizza!)
Venue: ChemCentre, Exhibition Space, Building 500,
Cnr Manning Rd and Towsing Dr, Curtin University Bentley Campus.
Parking: Free after 5pm. Plentiful parking at the venue door.
Cost: Free. Please RSVP for catering purposes
