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Researchers from the University of Oxford have devised a means of turning an industrial waste chemical into the biofuel methanol.

Methanol is a potential alternative fuel, either for internal combustion engines or fuel cells, but currently 90% is produced from fossil fuels, mainly natural gas. Instead, Edman Tsang and his team have found a way of producing methanol from the chemical glycerol.

Glycerol is a byproduct of biodiesel and oleochemical production and although it is used in food and personal care products, there is no large-scale industrial demand for the chemical.

“Around 350,000 tonnes of glycerol are incinerated in the US each year, and converting this to methanol gives you a portable store of energy, and potentially an economically viable new biofuel business,” explains Tsang.

The researchers have identified a precious metal catalyst that enables the conversion process to be carried out quickly and efficiently.

“The exclusive product is methanol, so little additional processing is required,” adds Tsang.

The idea has now been patented by Oxford University’s technology transfer company Isis Innovation and is pursuing its commercialisation together with Tsang.

For further information:
www.isis-innovation.com/