New method converts methane in natural gas to methanol at room temperature

[JacksinPA]

New method converts methane in natural gas to methanol at room temperature

Researchers have discovered a way to convert the methane in natural gas into liquid methanol at room temperature.

www.sciencedaily.com

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a way to convert the methane in natural gas into liquid methanol at room temperature.

This discovery, reported in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could potentially provide a cleaner energy source for many of our everyday activities.

When burned, natural gas -- the fuel used to heat homes, cook food and generate electricity -- produces carbon dioxide, a powerful greenhouse gas.
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According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the U.S. consumed approximately 31 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in 2019, contributing roughly 1.6 gigatons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

The key point here is the sad fact that most frakking wells are not equipped with sufficient refrigeration equipment for liquifying the methane coming out, so it escapes into the atmosphere. The big problem with that is that methane is a potent greenhouse gas which contributes to global warming. By converting it on-site into methanol, a valuable organic solvent, the investment in equipment & energy might make this process attractive to drillers.

 

[Ginger Ale]

That's pretty cool. I have a few questions about it, like the electricity to produce it which if solar would be good. You'd have to handle it safely. Interesting to look into.

 

[JacksinPA]

That's pretty cool. I have a few questions about it, like the electricity to produce it which if solar would be good. You'd have to handle it safely. Interesting to look into.

On both energy required & capital investment in the extra equipment you would need in a frakking field, I have no idea. But once a concept like this pops up, someone will figure out a way to exploit it financially.