The new method converts methane gas into liquid methanol.
A team of researchers has successfully converted methane into methanol using light and scattered transition metals such as copper in a process known as photo-oxidation. The reaction was the best achieved to date for converting methane gas into liquid fuel at ambient temperature and pressure (25 °C and 1 bar, respectively), according to a study published in the journal Chemical Communications.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Goal 13: Climate Action
Introduction
The study’s findings are a crucial step toward making natural gas accessible as a source of energy for the production of alternative fuels to gasoline and diesel. Despite the fact that natural gas is a fossil fuel, its conversion into methanol produces less carbon dioxide (CO2) than other liquid fuels in the same category.
Methodology
In the laboratory, the scientists synthesized crystalline carbon nitride in the form of polyheptazine imide (PHI), using non-noble or earth-abundant transition metals, especially copper, to produce active visible-light photocatalysts. They then used the photocatalysts in methane oxidation reactions with hydrogen peroxide as an initiator. The copper-PHI catalyst generated a large volume of oxygenated liquid products, especially methanol (2,900 micromoles per gram of material, or µmol.g-1 in four hours).
Results and Discussion
The study’s results pave the way for future research into the use of solar energy for this conversion process, potentially reducing its environmental impact still further. Methanol is vital in biodiesel production and the chemical industry in Brazil, where it is used to synthesize a variety of products. Furthermore, methane collection from the atmosphere is critical for mitigating the negative consequences of climate change since the gas has 25 times the potential to contribute to global warming as CO2.
Conclusion
The new method of converting methane gas into liquid methanol using photo-oxidation represents a significant advancement in achieving sustainable development goals related to affordable and clean energy, industry, innovation, infrastructure, and climate action. The study’s findings contribute to the ongoing efforts to tap into the energy potential of methane reserves and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
References
- “Selective methane photooxidation into methanol under mild conditions promoted by highly dispersed Cu atoms on crystalline carbon nitrides” by Marcos A. R. da Silva, Jéssica C. Gil, Nadezda V. Tarakina, Gelson T. S. T. Silva, José B. G. Filho, Klaus Krambrock, Markus Antonietti, Caue Ribeiro and Ivo F. Teixeira, 31 May 2022, Chemical Communications. DOI: 10.1039/D2CC01757A
- “Aqueous Au-Pd colloids catalyze selective CH4 oxidation to CH3OH with O2 under mild conditions” by Nishtha Agarwal, Simon J. Freakley, Rebecca U. McVicker, Sultan M. Althahban, Nikolaos Dimitratos, Qian He, David J. Morgan, Robert L. Jenkins, David J. Willock, Stuart H. Taylor, Christopher J. Kiely and Graham J. Hutchings, 7 September 2017, Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.aan6515
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the conversion of methane gas into liquid methanol, which is related to the goals of achieving affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and promoting industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9). Additionally, the conversion process has the potential to mitigate climate change by reducing methane emissions, contributing to SDG 13.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
The article’s content aligns with these targets as the conversion of methane into methanol using light and transition metals contributes to increasing the share of renewable energy (SDG 7.2), upgrading infrastructure for sustainable industries (SDG 9.4), and integrating climate change measures into national policies (SDG 13.2).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Conversion efficiency: The article mentions that the reaction achieved the best conversion of methane gas into liquid fuel to date. The efficiency of the conversion process can be measured by the amount of methanol produced per gram of material used.
- Reduction in carbon dioxide emissions: The article highlights that the conversion of methane into methanol produces less carbon dioxide than other liquid fuels. The reduction in carbon dioxide emissions can be measured by comparing the emissions from methanol production with those from other liquid fuels in the same category.
- Methane emission reduction: The article mentions that methane has a significant potential to contribute to global warming. The progress in reducing methane emissions can be measured by comparing the current emissions with the projected reduction of 45% in the next decade.
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets and assess the effectiveness of the conversion process in achieving sustainable energy, infrastructure, and climate action goals.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | – Conversion efficiency: Amount of methanol produced per gram of material used. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable. | – Conversion efficiency: Amount of methanol produced per gram of material used. – Reduction in carbon dioxide emissions: Comparison of emissions from methanol production with other liquid fuels. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | – Reduction in carbon dioxide emissions: Comparison of emissions from methanol production with other liquid fuels. – Methane emission reduction: Comparison of current emissions with projected reduction of 45% in the next decade. |
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Source: scitechdaily.com
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