Converting methane into green fuels using electrochemical devices
Transforming methane into green fuel
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, poses significant environmental challenges but also holds potential as a valuable resource if converted into clean fuels. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, the COMFUELS project aims to harness this potential by developing efficient electrochemical methods to convert methane into green fuels. Led by an expert in 2D nanostructures, the project will create advanced catalysts using transition metal oxides and few-layer materials. Working at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, the project team will leverage cutting-edge techniques to drive methane conversion. This initiative could revolutionize sustainable fuel production, turning a climate challenge into an opportunity.
Objective
This project proposal titled “Converting methane into green fuels using electrochemical devices (COMFUELS)”will achieve efficient electrochemical methane conversion in a gas diffusion methane conversion cell through few-layer 2D materials-supported, transition metal oxide catalysts. We will exploit our expertise in the preparation of metal nanostructures by electrodeposition, preparation and modification of few-layer 2D materials, and electrocatalysis. This will provide a new generation of high-performing catalysts for sustainable methane conversion into value-added fuels, enabling the scientific community to exploit the potential of gas diffusion methane electrolyzers. The fellow, Manila Ozhukil Valappil (MOV), is an expert on 2D nanostructures and electrocatalysis. The supervisor, Prof. Maria Escudero Escribano at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, ICN2 in Barcelona, has long-standing expertise in (spectro)electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, materials science and surface nanostructuring for various electrochemical applications, and has secured an ERC-Consolidator Grant (June,2023-present) on tailored materials for electrochemical methane activation and conversion into valuable chemicals such as methanol. Well-established advanced materials and electrochemical characterization facilities at ICN2 ensure the project’s success and will provide a unique environment for the development of MOV.
Grant agreement ID: 101155151; EU contribution € 165 312,96