New Study Finds Carbon-free Approach for Methane Transformation

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NORMAN, OKLA. – A recent study, led by University of Oklahoma researcher Hanping Ding, Ph.D., has revealed a new way to convert methane into hydrogen and benzene, a finding that could reduce carbon emissions produced during chemical manufacturing. The article in Nature Communications examines a new catalyst that enhances the process of converting methane into higher-value products, such as aromatics — the building blocks for a variety of consumer products, including chemicals, coatings, detergents and pharmaceuticals.

The production of aromatics depends on crude oil, and current production methods create extensive carbon emissions. This study offers a promising possibility for carbon-free upgrading of natural gas and converting methane to aromatics and hydrogen.

“We have so many resources in Oklahoma. We don’t want to simply burn them to generate heat or generate electricity. We can convert [the resources] to more value-added chemicals,” said Ding, assistant professor in the Gallogly College of Engineering.

Researchers found that adding a mix of platinum and bismuth to the catalyst improved overall performance. The catalyst promotes the activation of methane molecules and facilitates the formation of carbon-carbon bonds necessary to form desired compounds like benzene. This particular catalyst mix helps to activate the methane and to link carbon atoms together more effectively, which increases how much of the final product is produced.

The ability to produce aromatics more efficiently benefits many industries, including potentially reducing carbon emissions in the petroleum refinery industry. Additionally, the catalyst can be regenerated to restore its activity after use, a benefit that could reduce operations costs.

Reduced industry emissions are a focal point of the work done in Ding’s Advanced Materials and Clean Energy Laboratory, which focuses on research with the hope of decarbonizing the world. Efforts to reduce industrial emissions are a step toward making energy production cleaner and better for the climate and human health.

This study is the result of institutional collaboration between the University of Oklahoma, Kansas University, George Mason University and the Idaho National Laboratory.