The study investigates the catalytic eff ect of steel beads on methane pyrolysis within a tube reactor at atmospheric pressure.

The SUJ2 steel beads serve a dual role as a catalyst and heat transfer material, maintaining the overall system temperature

below 1000 °C during the pyrolysis reaction. The catalytic decomposition of methane using the metal beads was compared

to that in a blank tube reactor, revealing the signifi cant catalytic impact of the beads. Under optimal conditions, the highest

average methane conversion of 77% was achieved at 900 °C with a fl ow rate of 2.5 standard cubic centimeters per minute

(sccm). The metal beads demonstrated durability over extended operational hours and were evaluated for their recyclability

and scale-up perspective. The high specifi c heat of the SUJ2 steel beads contributed to uniform temperature distribution,

further improving the effi ciency of the pyrolysis process. Successive pyrolysis cycles showed increased methane conversion,

which was attributed to the formation of iron carbides. Catalyst regeneration through oxidative processes eff ectively restored

and enhanced catalytic activity, leading to progressively higher methane conversions. This study highlights the practical

viability of SUJ2 steel beads for methane pyrolysis, providing a cost-eff ective alternative to traditional catalysts and bed

materials.