http://www.energyefficiencynews.comAfion Media LtdNew method turns industrial waste into biofuel<p>Researchers from the University of Oxford have devised a means of turning an industrial waste chemical into the biofuel methanol.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p>The researchers have identified a precious metal catalyst that enables the conversion process to be carried out quickly and efficiently.</p>
<p>“The exclusive product is methanol, so little additional processing is required,” adds Tsang.</p>
<p>The idea has now been patented by Oxford University’s technology transfer company <a
href="http://www.isis-innovation.com/"
rel="external">Isis Innovation</a> and is pursuing its commercialisation together with Tsang.</p>
<p>For further information:<br />
<a
href="http://www.isis-innovation.com/"
rel="external">www.isis-innovation.com/</a></p>
http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/transport/i/1570/
2008-11-17T00:00:00-00:00Transport, fuels, biofuel, road, University of Oxford, research & development