MIT scientists have produced a two-part catalyst that can transform methane, a greenhouse gas, into a valuable polymer used in clothing and buildings, among other items.
When the polymer is considered at the molecular level, it contains only single carbon and hydrogen atoms, which can be produced from methane.
Currently,Turning methane into a versatile polymer is problematic because it takes a huge amount of energy to convert the gas, making the process not cost effective, but the new catalyst lowers the conversion temperature from over 200 degrees Celsius to room temperature.
The catalyst has two components: a ZEolite that converts methane to methanol, and an enzyme that coverts this to formaldehyde, which, with the addition of urine, can turn the formaldehyde into a polymer.
The team suggests the new catalyst could be employed to seal pipes transporting natural gas, which could prevent methane leaking into the atmosphere.