Technology Brief: Methanol: A New Fuel for a New Age

By Danny Wilks, Research Scientist, Neah Power Systems

Neah Power Systems has patented a unique fuel cell using methanol, a readily available fuel source that can provide a volumetric-efficient way to store and deliver hydrogen and which can help balance the carbon cycle.

Methanol is currently produced by reforming natural gas (which is abundant in North America[1]) with steam, but may be produced using biomass sources such as wood or other cellulosic materials[6]. Recent advances show promise in directly converting methane as a waste gas from landfill sites and cattle farming into methanol[2]. Thus creating low-cost, clean renewable energy sources.

Portable power markets continue to rely on conventional batteries for off-grid use, which eventually die, or require re-charging. As the need for long lasting, lightweight and remote power grows, alternative methods to create highly efficient energy fuel sources that can provide continuous power for the military, police, fire departments, first responders, and consumers becomes ever more urgent.

A large driving force for the use of methanol as a fuel source is cost. Historically, the price of methanol has been low in comparison to other alternative fuels, which is currently $0.95/gallon[3]. Although the cost of methanol is subsidized, it may be expected to remain stable as efficient synthesis techniques become more widely practiced.

While hydrogen is primarily produced from fossil fuels, it may be also be made by photosynthesis of algae[4], or electrolysis of water. CO and CO2 can be harvested from sources such as coal power plants or vegetable matter, thus stimulating alternative technology to generate methanol.

Methanol is a commonly found chemical in our daily lives, used in fuels, plastics, cleaning agents, etc. When methanol burns, the byproduct is carbon dioxide and water.