The Need
Syngas is an essential intermediate for producing high-value chemicals such as gasoline, methanol, and dimethyl ether. Current industrial methods (steam reforming, autothermal reforming, and partial oxidation) are energy-intensive, costly, and environmentally burdensome. Moreover, these methods achieve syngas selectivity of only ~90%, necessitating expensive downstream separation. A more efficient, selective, and safer process for methane-to-syngas conversion is urgently needed to improve economics and sustainability.

The Technology
This patented technology, developed by OSU engineers, introduces a novel chemical looping system for methane partial oxidation that enables near 100% syngas selectivity. The process utilizes methane to reduce oxygen carrier nanoparticles and employs CO₂ to re-oxidize them, creating a sustainable cycle. By immobilizing metal oxide nanoparticles, such as iron oxide, on mesoporous supports, the system achieves high efficiency, minimizes byproduct formation, and eliminates the need for costly post-reaction separation.

Commercial Applications
• Gas-to-liquid (GTL) fuels and synthetic gasoline production
• Methanol and dimethyl ether (DME) manufacturing
• On-site syngas generation for chemical and energy industries

Benefits/Advantages
• Near 100% syngas selectivity
• Lower energy consumption and reduced CO₂ emissions
• Enhanced economics of methane-to-syngas conversion