Researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia, have discovered a plasma-based physicochemical process that could convert landfill gas into methane, a functional fuel for commercial aircraft.
What is landfill gas and how can it be converted to methane?
Methane is a greenhouse gas which has a much greater impact than carbon dioxide (CO₂). According to the International Energy Agency, methane levels in the atmosphere have increased in recent decades and emissions from waste, such as fossil fuel exploitation, are the main contributors to this problem.
The research published in the Journal of the American Chemical Societyled by Professor PJ Cullen from the Faculty of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering of the University of Sydney, detailed that landfill gas worldwide, is a major source of the greenhouse effect, mainly CO₂ and methane. This newly developed process would make it possible to convert these gases into fuels, especially benefiting sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as aviation.
According to Professor Cullen’s statements, the new plasma process would offer a more environmentally beneficial final fuel with greater commercial impact. All this, compared to modern gas emission capture facilities that generate electricity.
How is landfill gas transformed into electricity?
Non-thermal plasma” is a technology developed to use electricity as a conduit for gas excitation at low temperature and a specific atmospheric pressure. This process facilitates the conversion of gas into valuable products by inducing plasma discharge within the forming gas bubbles. In addition, it requires no heat or pressure, which translates into less energy and greater compatibility with renewable energy sources, concludes Cullen.
Por otro lado, el gas de vertedero posee hasta un 50% de emisiones de metano (CH4), es decir, es una opción ideal para la generación de electricidad, tales como el consumo individual como la calefacción y el transporte. Dicha solución consiste en quemar el mineral dentro de una turbina sellada para la producción de electricidad, sustituyendo otros gases naturales fósiles.
The aviation sector, which produces 3% of this gas, could benefit from a “closed-loop” fuel based on existing emissions, thus reducing the need for conventional fuels that increase environmental pollution.
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Source: University of Sydney
Photo: Luisa Low, University of Sydney
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