Renewable methanol and the energy challenge: The role of electrocatalysis

Author(s)

Varela, Hamilton ; Paredes-Salazar, Enrique A. ; Lima, Fabio H. B. ; Eid, Kamel

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY; v. 46, p. 8-pg., 2024-06-08.

Abstract

Renewable methanol is deemed as efficient, low-cost, and a safe alternative to fossil fuels due to easy of handling, storage, and transportation beside versatility of production methods from earth-abundant feedstocks. Green methanol is produced form biomethanol (i.e. gasification of biomass and agricultural wastes) and e-methanol (i.e. CO2 captured and green hydrogen from electrolysis). Owing to the ceaseless progress rational design of electrocatalysts for biomethanol and emethanol production, it is important to provide timely update on this area. This minireview discusses the main merits and production methods of methanol, its electro-oxidation, and the recent advances in the electrocatalysis of renewable methanol synthesis. Moreover, the current challenges and future scenarios for attaining sustainable large-scale green methanol are discussed. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/22183-6 - Electrocatalysis VI: fundamental and applied aspects of emerging and classical problems in electrochemical energy conversion
• Grantee: Edson Antonio Ticianelli
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/15230-5 - Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation - RCG2I
• Grantee: Julio Romano Meneghini
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program