A new process that enables scientists to create methane from Carbon Dioxide could revolutionize the market, allowing manufacturers to create closed-loop carbon systems. The process uses electrochemistry and advanced mathematical models to directly convert captured CO2 into useful methane. Here’s what you need to know.
Carbon dioxide is a harmful greenhouse gas that is one of the main causes of global warming and other environmental issues. Scientists have come up with many methods to combat the effects of CO2 on the environment. From reducing emissions, promoting clean energy, and even creating carbon taxes, the goal has always been to decrease CO2’s detrimental effects.
Carbon Capture Systems
The concept of capturing carbon has become more popular over the last 5 years. These systems remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it. There are many ways in which engineers have accomplished this task. Most use some chemical reaction to isolate CO2 from other gases and then convert it into other chemicals that hold value.
These concepts have proven successful but are still in their infantile stages with most remaining expensive and lacking scalability. For this technology to become truly impactful, it will need to be scaled up to an industrial level, enabling it to provide the best results for the community.
Multistep Process
Another major setback to the most common forms of carbon capture today is that they can require multiple steps. Each step can take time and require very specific processes. In most instances, the first step is to capture and collect the CO2. From there, each system will conduct its process to complete the conversion. Each chemical reaction adds to the time, complexity, and overall costs.
Dangerous Chemicals
Many of the most popular carbon capture options in the market today rely on chemical reactions. These systems have harmful byproducts that offset the benefits a bit. Dangerous chemicals need to be stored, transported, and discarded in a specific manner, adding to the overall cost per pound of captured carbon.
Cyclical Emissions Study
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society titled “Integrated Carbon Dioxide Capture by Amines and Conversion to Methane on Single-Atom Nickel Catalysts” delves into a new methodology that reduces energy requirements and could be self-powered. The study explains a method that converts CO2 into methane safely.
Source – Journal of the American Chemical Society
This development is a major milestone, as carbon dioxide is one of the main byproducts of burning methane. Scientists have long sought to create a closed carbon loop. this term refers to a system that can leverage its byproducts to continue operations. Specifically, the paper details how they successfully achieved carbamate conversion to methane.
In the paper, CO2 was captured using an amine scrubbing solution. The carbamate was then fed through a nickel-based catalyst, which featured nickel atoms laid out in a specific pattern based on advanced mathematical models.
Cyclical Emissions Test
To test if the conversion was complete, the engineers employed a variety of high-end research tools including an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron microscopy (EM). These devices revealed that the conversion was completed successfully and CO2 was converted into Methane.
The engineers leveraged density functional theory (DFT) calculations as part of their approach. These models allowed them to better predict through mapping the best electron layout and disbursement. Additionally, the engineers integrated a computational hydrogen electrode (CHE) model to calculate reaction-free energies. It was also instrumental in determining the exact proton-coupled electron transfer steps involved in each reaction.
Cyclical Emissions Results
The results demonstrated that the single-atom nickel (Ni) dispersed on gold (Au) created CH4 as the primary product. It showed that the team succeeded in converting CO2 to methane and tracking each step of the process. The goal now is to improve efficiency to maximize the energy production of each closed loop.
Cyclical Emissions Benefits
This research brings several benefits to the market. For one, the new method streamlines the capture and conversion of Carbamate into a useful product, Methane. The process is fast and doesn’t create harmful or useless byproducts. Additionally, it doesn’t require massive amounts of electricity.
Low Energy
According to the researchers, this new method provides the lowest energy possible requirements for those seeking carbon capture and conversion. The electrochemical reactions are efficient and less expensive than alternatives and can be conducted on-site.
Single Step Process
Another benefit of this new carbon capture and conversion method is that it combines every step into one process. Uniquely, the carbon is captured and converted in one step. This approach reduces complexity, improves stability, and offers much greater transparency.
Researchers
Tomaz Neves-Garcia led the study conducted at The Ohio State University. Additionally, Quansong Zhu, Robert Baker, Liane M. Rossi, Mahmudul Hasan, Robert E. Warburton, Jing Li, and Hailiang Wang from Yale University are listed as co-authors of the study. Now the team seeks to scale their process to service the industrial sector.
Companies that Could Benefit from the Cyclical Emissions Research
Several companies could improve their bottom line if they integrate this research into their business models. These companies already operate in the carbon capture or natural gas ecosystem and have put extensive energy and effort into creating unique products to help serve this market.
Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD -0.06%) was founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1940 by a local entrepreneur named Leonard Parker Pool. At the time, the company was focused on manufacturing small generators for use during WWII. Following the completion of the war, the company committed to expanding its offerings and products.
Over the last 80 years, Air Products and Chemicals Inc. has become a globally recognized gas provider. The company has a vibrant history in the US and international markets. Its focus on service and large enterprise-grade clientele has helped the company to secure massive returns and expand operations.
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD -0.06%)
Air Products and Chemicals Inc. received numerous accolades along its journey to becoming one of the most popular options for manufacturers seeking methane gas. In 2008, it was listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index as a top-performing stock.
Today, APD shows strong YTD gains due to a combination of factors including advancements in its processes, smart business management, and increases in methane use. If APD could integrate this technology into its business model it could reduce manufacturing costs significantly. Currently, APD has a market cap of $73.961B and is showing positive gains for the year.
Canadian-based chemical impact reduction firm, Delta CleanTech Inc. entered the market seeking to improve the current carbon capture technology in place. The company quickly gained notoriety due to its unique features and services. Businesses can leverage Delat CleanTech’s expertise to reduce their CO2 and other harmful emissions.
The company has several impactful products available today. For example, the Delta Reclaimer enables companies to purify solvents. Additionally, the company currently offers a product called MethanatorRX which can safely break methane down into harmless products. The company also offers a CarbonRX service which allows businesses to maximize the use of their carbon credits.
Other Carbon Capture Systems Worth Knowing
Thankfully, the Ohio State Researchers behind the cyclical emissions study are not alone in their quest to try and save the environment by reducing CO2. Here are some other interesting ways that have the potential to significantly reduce C02 emissions moving forward.
A team of engineers led by RICE University introduced the world’s first room-temperature direct air capture device. This reactor can direct air capture carbon without leaving any byproducts. Like the OSU team, their electrochemical process does away with amine-based sorbets like sodium and potassium hydroxide.
Interestingly, the byproduct of this process was found to be hydrogen, another very useful chemical that can power the same processes. Additionally, the elimination of heat and additional chemicals improves the sustainability of this approach and makes it universally applicable.
Future
The future of carbon capture technology is bright. These systems have taken a spotlight on the battle against pollution. The team’s unique approach and ability to create methane from CO2 is revolutionary on many levels. For one, it helps scientists better understand the benefits and downsides of closed-loop systems and how to improve these areas to enhance performance.
Cyclical Emissions Conclusion
You have to give it to the OSU team behind this research. Scientists have dreamed of closing the carbon loop in a way that could prove to be beneficial for everyone. Now, your pollution could get recycled back into power, and the emissions cycle begins. As such, you can expect to see more focus on capturing CO2, alongside thermal reduction policies and campaigns.
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