A study led by Marco Gigantino and Henry Moise from Stanford University in the US highlights the benefits of adding small amounts of oxidants like carbon dioxide and water into methane pyrolysis. Traditionally considered contaminants, these oxidants were found to significantly improve carbon and hydrogen production while sustaining catalyst activity. The research challenges the conventional belief that oxidants are detrimental in methane pyrolysis by showing how they enhance the process. By using a fluidised bed reactor filled with Fe/Al₂O₃ catalyst, the team demonstrated that introducing just 5% carbon dioxide into the methane stream doubled the carbon yield and boosted hydrogen production. This addition resulted in the production of carbon monoxide as a byproduct, promoting the detachment of thick carbon layers ideal for harvesting solid carbon without deactivating the catalyst. The study also explored the optimal ratios of oxidants to methane, showcasing over 30% more carbon production than with methane alone. Raman spectroscopy revealed structural improvements in the carbon, favoring the growth of graphitic materials and carbon nanotubes. The team's experiments in both fluidised bed and monolithic reactors consistently showed higher conversion rates and greater carbon accumulation with oxidant co-feeds. The economic analysis indicated that incorporating oxidants could lead to higher profitability by reducing methane recycling and lowering energy requirements. Experts like Chester Upham from the University of British Columbia commend the study for its contribution to the field of pyrolysis and the production of affordable clean hydrogen.