The thermal stability of methane from 600 to 1000°C

Half-times for the thermal decomposition of methane are 108, 34 and 4 h, respectively, for 800, 900 and 1000°C. This demonstrated stability of methane and the non-exchangibility of its carbon isotopes with CO2 at 700°C lends credibility to the pyrolysis-carbon isotope method for determining the thermal maturity of kerogen.