Description:
Market Opportunity
The shale gas market faces environmental and safety challenges due to traditional hydrofracking methods. A pivot towards "dry fracking" using pressurized CO2 presents a sustainable alternative, reducing water usage and harmful emissions and offering a more effective extraction process. Combined with innovative conversion techniques, shale gas could pose a viable, eco-friendly substitute for petroleum oil, marking a strategic opportunity to revolutionize the energy sector.
USC Solution
USC researchers have developed a method for methanol production from shale gas and CO2, utilizing exclusive dry CO2 fracking methods. Injected gaseous CO2 extracts shale gas, which is then purified and combined with steam and additional CO2, facilitating a bi-reforming reaction. The resultant mixture undergoes conditions conducive to methanol formation. Employing various catalysts and controlling conditions meticulously, the process can convert derivatives to potentially valuable hydrocarbons and fuels, positioning methanol as a pivotal, replenishable energy source in sustainable hydrocarbon fuel production.
Value Proposition
- Mitigates environmental harm compared to traditional hydrofracking methods
- Efficiently produces methanol
- Yields diverse hydrocarbon and fuel outputs, including ethylene and propylene
Applications
- Dry fracking
- Methanol production
Stage of Development
- Proof of concept demonstrated
- Available for licensing