Abstract: Thermo-catalytic decomposition of methane is an effective way to produce hydrogen-rich gas. Activated carbon as an economic and efficient catalyst had been widely studied. In this paper，the mechanism of methane decomposition on activated carbon is elaborated. The activated carbon as catalysts is discussed in terms of surface physical and chemical properties，reaction conditions，pre-treatment method，different heating methods，and different forms of reactor. The origin of deactivation and the methods of regeneration are discussed in detail. The preparation and pre-treatment of activated carbon，the control of reaction conditions，and the rapidly deactivation of activated carbon shall be main focus for activated carbon in future application.

Key words: methane, activated carbon, deactivation, regeneration

摘要： 甲烷的热催化裂解是一种制取富氢气体的有效方法，活性炭作为一种经济、高效的催化剂而被广泛研究。本文简要阐述了甲烷在活性炭上的裂解机理，着重介绍了活性炭作为催化剂时的影响因素，包括表面物化特性、反应条件、制备工艺及预处理方法、加热方式、反应装置的影响，并分别对活性炭的失活原因及再生手段进行了详细叙述。提出活性炭作为催化剂在进一步应用中所遇到的主要问题是最佳的活性炭制备工艺及预处理手段、最佳反应条件的控制以及活性炭的快速失活特性。

关键词: 甲烷, 活性炭, 失活, 再生