Description:
Market Opportunity
In the transition away from fossil fuels, significant potential lies in the efficient conversion of abundant natural gas into methanol and dimethyl ether (DME). These compounds not only serve as cleaner, versatile fuels but are also key in producing essential chemical products and single cell proteins. Enhanced production methods could revolutionize their utility in transportation, energy, and various other sectors, leveraging existing infrastructure and facilitating easier storage and distribution.
USC Solution
USC researchers have developed a novel method to efficiently convert methane from sources like natural (shale) gas into methanol and derived products. Through a unique combination of oxidation and bi- reforming processes, this self-sufficient approach produces metgas, which is then exclusively converted to methanol, and subsequently, dimethyl ether if required. The method is carbon and energy neutral, environmentally friendly, and economically viable, turning extensive methane reserves into usable fuels and essential chemical products with minimized waste and environmental impact.
Benefits
- Efficient conversion of methane to methanol and dimethyl ether
- Economically viable
- Carbon and environmentally neutral
- Resulting products can be used for fuel or chemical processing
Applications
- Methane conversion
- Production of transportation fuels
- Production of chemical products
Stage of Development
- Proof of concept demonstrated
- Available for licensing