Methane
Articles tagged with Methane
Scientists stunned: Volcano cleans up after itself by removing methane from the air
Researchers discovered that a volcano's eruption can clean up methane pollution by breaking it down into formaldehyde. The phenomenon could potentially be key to slowing global warming and has implications for reducing methane emissions.
Bottled lightning makes a cleaner fuel
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a single-step process to turn methane into methanol without high heat and pressures. The method harnesses tiny bursts of plasma to break the chemical bonds in methane, producing a cleaner-burning fuel for ships and industrial boilers.
Precisely designed oxygen carriers enable low-temperature methane reforming
Scientists at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research have created a more efficient way to turn methane into hydrogen by combining chemical looping with water splitting. This new method achieves low-temperature methane reforming at 500-600°C, significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Source or sink? Trees with heart rot disease emit more methane, upending forest carbon models
Researchers found that trees with heart rot disease release more methane than healthy trees, regardless of disease severity. Methane emissions peak in the trunk's center, a finding that challenges previous assumptions about tree health and greenhouse gas cycling.
Forest soils increasingly extract methane from atmosphere
Researchers at the University of Göttingen found that forest soils in south-western Germany absorb more methane as climate conditions become drier and warmer. This contradicts current international meta-analyses, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring for assessing the effects of climate change.
Energy-efficient reactor captures and recycles methane to produce clean hydrogen and carbon nanotubes
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed an energy-efficient reactor that captures and recycles methane to produce clean hydrogen and high-performance carbon nanotubes. The process uses a multi-pass floating catalyst chemical vapour deposition reactor with process gas recycling, significantly reducing energy requirements.
Lunar spacecraft exhaust could obscure clues to origins of life
A recent study suggests that lunar spacecraft exhaust methane can contaminate areas of the moon where original ingredients of earthly life may be found. The pollution can unfold rapidly, with more than half of the total exhaust methane settling in regions potentially harboring prebiotic organic molecules within seven days.
Eight SwRI hydrogen projects funded by ENERGYWERX
Eight SwRI hydrogen projects funded by ENERGYWERX will evaluate new technology and existing infrastructure for a hydrogen-powered future. The projects, conducted at SwRI's Metering Research Facility, aim to improve energy infrastructure and support the use of clean-burning fuel.
Biochar boosts clean energy output from food waste in novel two-stage digestion system
Researchers found that adding biochar to advanced food waste recycling systems can significantly increase hydrogen and methane production. Biochar acts as a natural buffer, keeping pH levels optimal for microbes and supporting robust microbial communities.
Breakthrough catalyst turns methane into bioactive compounds for the first time
Researchers have developed an iron-based catalyst that tames the reactivity of methane, paving the way for natural gas to become a sustainable raw material for high-value chemicals. The method uses iron—a cheap, abundant, and far less toxic metal—and operates under mild temperature and pressure conditions.
HKUST unites international experts in CliMetS initiative to tackle climate threat of seabed methane seeps
The CliMetS initiative aims to bridge research gaps and foster cross-continental partnerships to address the threat of seabed methane seeps. Through a series of regional workshops, HKUST has united over 200 experts worldwide in mapping and quantifying these seeps.
More milk, less methane in mixed pastures?
A meta-analysis of 16 studies found that diverse pasturelands have no effect on milk production or methane emissions, but a higher proportion of legumes can promote milk yield. The study suggests that farms should consider the benefits of diverse grassland areas for overall productivity and ecosystem benefits.
Global methane levels continue rising as planet heats up
Methane emissions from global trade have risen by 30% since 1990, driven by rapid industrialization and population growth in Asia and the developing Pacific region. The study calls for targeted sectoral strategies to reduce emissions, including advanced leak detection and improved livestock feed formulations.
Wildfire ‘char’ may help suppress methane
Researchers found that wildfire chars can suppress methane production by supporting the growth of bacteria that outcompete methanogens. This natural process could have important implications for mitigating greenhouse gases and climate change.
Associate professor Guo-Ming Weng’s group published a research article on simultaneous methane conversion and hydrogen production in Science Bulletin
Researchers developed a NiO/Ni heterostructure electrocatalyst that enhances methane conversion and hydrogen production. The catalyst achieved high liquid product formation rates and remarkable Faradaic efficiencies. In situ characterization revealed the reaction mechanism, identifying key active species and promoting efficient electro...
Isotopic transient study elucidates reaction rate enhancement by microwave heating in dry reforming of methane
This study uses Steady-State Isotopic Transient Kinetic Analysis to investigate the effects of microwave heating on Dry Reforming of Methane. The results show that microwave activation induces the formation of reactive coke, enhancing the reaction rate and reducing surface intermediate concentrations.
Pandemic and wildfires weakened Earth’s atmospheric oxidation in 2020
Researchers found consistent evidence of reduced global atmospheric oxidation in 2020, driven by decreased nitrogen oxide emissions and extreme wildfires in the Southern Hemisphere. This decline had a significant impact on methane concentrations, contributing to one of the largest annual increases ever recorded.
Ships trigger high and unexpected emissions of the greenhouse gas methane
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology discovered that ship traffic triggers large methane emissions in shallow areas, including ports. The study found that cruise and container ships caused the most frequent and largest measured methane releases.
Methane leaks from dormant oil and gas wells in Canada are seven times worse than thought, McGill study suggests
A new McGill University study reveals methane emissions from non-producing oil and gas wells in Canada are seven times higher than government estimates. The findings highlight the need to improve monitoring, reporting, and management of methane leaks.
Webb reveals the origin of the ultra-hot exoplanet WASP-121b
Researchers detected atmospheric methane and silicon monoxide on WASP-121b, suggesting it accumulated most of its gas in a cold region before becoming an ultra-hot giant planet. The team proposes that strong vertical winds on the nightside replenish methane gas to maintain its high abundance.
Fruit and microbes boost biogas production and fermentation
Researchers found a new recipe to improve biogas production from alfalfa by adding fruit waste and an anaerobic microbe, boosting methane production by 33% and reducing costs. The added ingredients also increased the nutritional content of remaining plant matter.
NYS dairy farms produce emissions under national estimates
New York dairy farms achieve low greenhouse gas emissions by producing high-quality crops and managing manure efficiently. The study provides a regional baseline for dairy farm emissions, offering opportunities for farmers to reduce emissions and increase productivity through sustainable practices.
Electroactive biofiltration dynamic membrane: A new hope for wastewater treatment
The EBDM system effectively controls membrane fouling, enhances effluent quality, and improves methane productivity in wastewater treatment. The electric field modifies the physicochemical properties of the biomass, reducing the fouling potential and promoting microbial metabolism.
From steel solid waste to green cement: A catalytic leap towards low-carbon cement production
Researchers propose a novel approach to reduce carbon emissions in cement manufacturing by leveraging iron naturally present in cement raw materials. The method enables the co-thermal conversion of CaCO₃ with CH₄ under a methane atmosphere, resulting in high-value syngas as a byproduct and significantly reducing carbon footprint.
Solid oxide electrolysis cell enables super-dry reforming of methane
Researchers developed a novel process for direct production of syngas via super-dry reforming of methane using solid oxide electrolysis cells. The system achieved high CH4 conversion and selectivity toward CO and H2, showcasing potential for CO2 utilization and renewable energy storage.
Study lays out scientific path to recouping the costs of climate change
A new study by Dartmouth researchers lays out a scientific framework for tracing specific climate damages back to emissions from individual fossil fuel companies. The framework combines climate modeling with publicly available emissions data to provide robust emissions-based attributions of climate damages at the corporate scale.
Hotter temps trigger wetlands to emit more methane as microbes struggle to keep up
Scientists found that anaerobic microbes in wetlands can remove up to 70% of methane in oxygen-deprived soils, but their ability to do so is threatened by rising temperatures. When scientists simulated a hotter future, methane emissions spiked under hotter temperatures alone.
Better feed, fewer burps: UF scientists target dairy gas emissions
Researchers at the University of Florida have created a new type of cattle feed that reduces methane gas emissions from burps and flatulence, making dairy farming more environmentally friendly. The feed, made with flaxseed and pea protein, also improves overall digestion and may increase milk production.
Virginia Tech receives $1.3 million grant to revolutionize energy industries in Appalachia
Virginia Tech aims to establish a hydrogen innovation hub using natural gas conversion technology, producing cleaner and more economically viable products. The project's goal is to reduce methane and carbon dioxide emissions by transforming potent greenhouse gases into less harmful high-value products.
China's natural terrestrial ecosystems: a significant source and sink of methane and nitrous oxide
A new study reveals China's NTEs were significant sources of CH₄ and N₂O emissions between 1980 and 2020, with an accumulated GWP of 5.55 Pg CO₂-equivalent. The net warming effect is primarily driven by N₂O emissions.
Surrey’s carbon capture technology could help the UK rival global competitors in race to produce clean fuel from air
Researchers at the University of Surrey developed a cost-effective method for removing CO2 from the air and converting it into synthetic fuel. The Dual-Function Material (DFM) process has been shown to be financially competitive with established industry methods, offering a promising route to decarbonize industries.
Amplified global heating risk due to climate and carbon cycle feedbacks
A new study finds that global heating could exceed previous estimates, with even low emission scenarios leading to higher temperatures. The Paris Agreement's goal of limiting warming to 2°C may only be achievable under very low emissions and lower-than-estimated climate sensitivity.
HKU chemist and collaborators unveil eco-friendly method to efficiently convert methane to ethanol
Researchers at HKU have developed a photocatalytic approach to converting methane into ethanol, achieving an impressive apparent quantum efficiency of 9.4% and a methane conversion rate of 2.3%. This innovative method offers a highly desirable approach to decarbonising the chemical and fuel industries.
‘Microlightning’ in water droplets may have sparked life on Earth
Researchers propose that microlightning in water droplets, rather than lightning strikes, sparked the formation of organic molecules with carbon-nitrogen bonds. This new mechanism suggests a more plausible explanation for the origin of life on Earth, overcoming criticisms of the Miller-Urey hypothesis.
New technical guidelines pave the way for widespread adoption of methane-reducing feed additives in dairy and livestock
A special issue of the Journal of Dairy Science provides detailed technical recommendations for developing and implementing feed additives to reduce methane emissions from ruminants. The guidelines cover testing, trial, and modeling phases to ensure efficacy and safety.
New study highlights dual role of methane in future ozone layer recovery
A new study reveals that rising methane emissions could significantly impact ozone recovery, particularly in polar regions. The research suggests a dual effect of methane, both contributing to global warming and affecting ozone levels.
Converting CO2 into fuel – with the help of battery waste
Researchers at TU Wien have developed a process to recover nickel from spent batteries and convert it into a nanocatalyst that reduces CO2 into valuable methane. This innovation has the potential to reduce waste and provide a sustainable fuel source.
SwRI, U-Michigan engineers create more effective burner to reduce methane emissions
Researchers at SwRI and U-M have created a new methane flare burner using additive manufacturing and machine learning that eliminates 98% of methane vented during oil production. The burner's design, with a complex nozzle base and impeller, allows for efficient combustion even in challenging crosswind conditions.
Quantum interference in molecule-surface collisions
Researchers have developed a method to observe quantum interference in surface collisions of methane molecules, revealing clear patterns of wave-like behavior that amplify or cancel out different pathways. This discovery confirms the active role of quantum mechanics in controlling molecular interactions at surfaces.
‘Glacial fracking’: A hidden source of Arctic greenhouse gas emissions
Researchers discovered that Arctic glaciers are leaking significant amounts of methane through the 'glacial fracking' process. This previously unrecognised process could contribute to Arctic climate feedbacks and accelerate global warming.
Inconsistent reporting leads to underestimation of climate impact of methane
A new study finds that methane emissions are being underreported by at least 170 million to 3.3 billion tons of carbon over a decade, depending on the metric used. Companies may have underestimated their carbon footprint by as much as the annual carbon emissions of the UK in 2022.
Clean air policies having unintended impact driving up wetland methane emissions by up to 34 million tonnes
A new study finds that reducing sulphur in the air can lead to increased natural emissions of methane from wetlands, pushing emissions higher. The study suggests that current targets to reduce human-caused methane emissions need to be more stringent.
High-yield rice breed emits up to 70% less methane
Scientists have identified chemical compounds released by rice roots that determine how much methane the plants emit. A new strain of rice was bred using traditional breeding methods, resulting in yields of 8.96 tons/hectare while emitting up to 70% less methane.
SwRI-designed experiments corroborate theory about how Titan maintains its atmosphere
Laboratory experiments corroborate the theory that Titan maintains its nitrogen-rich atmosphere through internal heating of organic materials. The study found significant amounts of carbon gases like methane and nitrogen, supporting the existence of a geologically short-lived atmosphere.
Scientists discover unique microbes in Amazonian peatlands that could influence climate change
Researchers identified an unknown family of microbes uniquely adapted to tropical peatlands, with a dual role in the carbon cycle. These microbes can either stabilize or intensify climate change by releasing greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane.
Coastal waters: An underestimated source of methane
Research reveals that coastal waters are hotspots for methane emissions, with tides, seasons, and ocean currents playing key roles in dynamics.
Transforming CO2 and H2O into fuel and chemicals using light-driven Zn-GaN catalysts
Researchers have developed a Zn-decorated GaN nanowire catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 and H2O into methane and hydrogen peroxide under light irradiation. The catalyst achieves high conversion rates with 93.6% selectivity and maintains activity for over 80 hours, providing a practical solution for sustainable fuel production.
Colorado State receives $326M from DOE/EPA to improve oil and gas operations and reduce methane emissions
The university aims to improve operational efficiency, manage emissions, and build an inventory of methane emissions through three research projects. The efforts will also support workforce development and improve air quality in local communities.
MoS2-confined Rh-Zn atomic pair boosts photo-driven methane carbonylation to acetic acid
Researchers developed a nano-heterostructure catalyst featuring MoS2-confined Rh-Zn atomic pairs, achieving high selectivity and productivity in photo-driven methane carbonylation. The catalyst enables efficient conversion of methane to acetic acid under mild conditions.
Nord Stream methane spread across the southern Baltic Sea
Researchers from University of Gothenburg and Voice of the Ocean research foundation studied the impact of Nord Stream pipeline explosion on Baltic Sea. They found that methane gas spread to large parts of the southern Baltic Sea, affecting over 14% of the entire sea.
Scientists document rich biodiversity along underexplored Chilean coastline
An international team of scientists mapped four unnamed underwater canyons and explored nearly 20 methane seep ecosystems off the Chilean coast. The expedition uncovered a dazzling array of creatures, including commercially valuable fish and potentially new species, in surprisingly diverse ecosystems.
Uncovering a centaur’s tracks: UCF scientists examine unique asteroid-comet hybrid
Researchers discover surface chemistry unlike other centaurs on Chiron, with carbon dioxide and methane gases in its coma. The findings provide insight into the creation of our Solar System's origins and the unique processes producing Chiron's surface composition.
Researchers harness copper versatility to enable control of CO₂ reduction products
Researchers have developed copper nanoclusters that can precisely shape the reaction pathways in electrochemical CO₂ reduction, producing specific high-energy-density products. The team's discovery could drive the development of new functional materials and create a more sustainable future.
A new catalyst can turn methane into something useful
A new catalyst converts methane into polymers at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, making it easier to deploy at sites of methane production. The catalyst also enables the creation of sealants to heal cracks in natural gas pipes, potentially reducing methane leakage.
USTC finds γ rays drive the conversion of aqueous-phase methane to complex organic molecules including glycine
A research group at USTC found that γ rays can facilitate the conversion of aqueous-phase methane to diverse products, including hydrocarbons, oxygenated compounds, and amino acids like glycine. The reaction rate is contingent on free radical concentrations and does not significantly influence temperature.
A study by the LARS-IIAMA UPV group detects methane emissions in the palm oil industry in Indonesia, Malaysia and Colombia
A team of researchers from the LARS-IIAMA group used satellite technology to detect methane emissions in the palm oil industry in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Colombia. The study confirms that palm oil processing is a significant source of methane emissions, mainly due to anaerobic ponds.
Turning carbon emissions into methane fuel
Chemists at Ohio State University have developed a novel way to capture and convert carbon dioxide into methane, utilizing nickel-based catalysts and reducing the need for massive amounts of energy. This breakthrough could pave the way for more efficient climate mitigation technologies and help close the carbon cycle.
Ytterbium thin-disk lasers pave the way for sensitive detection of atmospheric pollutants
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light create a novel laser system that can detect a wide variety of atmospheric compounds with minimal interference. The system's ability to target the short-wave infrared range and generate high-power, stable pulses enables unprecedented detection sensitivity and accuracy.
Fewer leaking wells in the North Sea than expected
Researchers found that less than two percent of Dutch North Sea abandoned wells leak methane from shallow gas accumulations. The study alleviates concerns from earlier German research that suggested one-third of all wells would leak methane.