Using copper to convert CO₂ to methane

Re:Using copper to convert CO₂ to methane by hannob on Sunday July 07, 2024 @02:56PM (#40899624)

I had recently written a detailed article about e-methane, including how it compares to other hydrogen derivatives. tl;dr is that there are a lot of doubts whether e-methane makes any sense, as you usually end up either preferring hydrogen directly, or, if you need something with a carbon atom, you likely will use methanol.

Here's the article: https://industrydecarbonization.com/news/is-there-a-place-fo...

I had posted it on HN, but didn't get upvoted.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Using copper to convert CO₂ to methane by Gibbon1 on Monday July 08, 2024 @02:33AM (#40903057)

I'll read it. Will say that starting with CO2 feels to me like playing the game in hard mode.

> For companies seeking to use e-methane, it usually means their technology and production processes don't have to change. They are merely buying e-methane that has already been subsidized elsewhere.

I feel like things like e-methane are attractive when you're thinking like an MBA where your first instinct is to preserve the value you of your capital assets and suppress competition.

Good: Pretend we can use e-methane to fuel our existing Direct reduced iron (DRI) plants. Advantage you kick the can down the road and when it fails you're either already gone or can blame the government for interfering.

Bad: Admit direct electrolytic reduction processes will obsolete all your equipment. Disadvantage watch the market price in the future value of your company.

[ Parent | on HN ]