DOE Develops Catalyst for Ethane-to-Ethanol Production Process

In California, researchers at the DOE's Molecular Foundry nanoscience research center designed a new material that could pave the way for the adoption of cheaper, cleaner-burning fuels.

Ethanol, the liquid form of the natural gas ethane, is an attractive form of liquid fuel because it burns cleaner and provides greater energy. Unfortunately, making ethanol from ethane requires extreme heat, making it a very expensive fuel. To lower the temperature, the research team created a metal-organic framework (MOF) which speeds up the chemical reaction that turns ethane into ethanol.

In addition to their catalyzing ability, MOFs can also act as a chemical filter. With a specially designed MOF, they were able to produce ethanol at just 167°F.