Method for the photocatalytic conversion of gas hydrates

Patent · Sun Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 2000

OSTI ID:873892

Taylor, Charles E ^[1]; Noceti, Richard P ^[1]; Bockrath, Bradley C ^[2]

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1. Pittsburg, PA
2. Bethel Park, PA

A method for converting methane hydrates to methanol, as well as hydrogen, through exposure to light. The process includes conversion of methane hydrates by light where a radical initiator has been added, and may be modified to include the conversion of methane hydrates with light where a photocatalyst doped by a suitable metal and an electron transfer agent to produce methanol and hydrogen. The present invention operates at temperatures below 0.degree. C., and allows for the direct conversion of methane contained within the hydrate in situ.

• Research Organization: National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA, and Morgantown, WV
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States Department (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 6267849
• OSTI ID: 873892
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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