Mitigation of methane from low concentration sources using transition metal based oxidation catalysts

Nardana Bazybek, a PhD candidate at KTH Royal Institute of Technology presented her research on mitigation at two conferences: the Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies (GHGT-17) conference in Calgary (20-24 October) and the AIChE Annual Meeting 2024 in San Diego (27-31 October).

Image: Nardana Bazybek, PhD candidate KTH

At the GHGT-17 conference, Nardana shared her research on mitigating methane emissions from agricultural sources through thermal and photocatalytic methods. Her work involved experiments conducted under conditions that closely replicate barn environments, with methane concentrations ranging from 10 to 10,000 ppm, along with the presence of CO₂ and humidity. The study revealed that the thermal catalyst cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) achieved a 90% conversion rate at 380°C for methane concentrations of 10 ppm. While the catalyst’s performance remained stable in the presence of CO₂, it was slightly reduced under humid conditions. Additionally, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) was investigated as a photocatalyst in collaboration with InPhoCat, showcasing its potential for photolytic methane conversion.

At the AIChE Annual Meeting, she presented her findings on methane oxidation using transition metal-based catalysts. This research focused on binary metal oxides, including cobalt, manganese, barium, and nickel, to identify catalysts that are both active and stable for low-temperature methane combustion. Through advanced characterization methods, the study provided insights into the reaction mechanisms of transition metal oxide (TMO) catalysts. Notably, Co₃O₄-MnxOy catalysts demonstrated a 90% methane conversion rate at 330°C, with manganese additions significantly enhancing catalytic efficiency by facilitating methane activation. Given methane’s significantly higher global warming potential compared to CO₂, converting methane into CO₂ presents a valuable strategy for reducing CO₂-equivalent emissions in the atmosphere.

This research as part of the REPAIR project contributes to the development of effective technologies for mitigating non-CO₂ greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from the agricultural sectors, thereby supporting global efforts to combat climate change. In addition to the scientific discussions, the conferences offered an excellent platform to engage with research from around the globe. Nardana also had the opportunity to highlight the ongoing advancements of the REPAIR project, contributing to the exchange of knowledge and ideas within the international research community.