Carbon Dioxide Transformed Into Methanol Fuel Source

In the world today, the issue about alternative fuels is a top priority, especially in environmental policy making. Recently, scientists in Singapore discovered how to convert carbon dioxide into methanol as an alternative fuel source. Basically, “the new process uses d N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as an organocatalyst, then adds hydrosilicane – a combination of silica and hydrogen – and water to make methanol."

However, one potential problem is capturing CO2, especially from coal-burning power plants. For years, companies have been trying to sequester CO2 in underground caves. No major CO2 capture-and-storage systems and large sequestration projects have ever been undertaken. Most likely, the costs to capture and store CO2 have led to companies’ lack of interests in these projects.

Furthermore methanol’s net energy is comparatively lower than gasoline’s. As well, the agriculture industry supports methanol’s family member; otherwise, known as ethanol. Even though methanol can be directly inserted into a fuel cell, ethanol still has more popular demand and political backing, especially by farmers.

Another issue is that capturing CO2 for methanol may decrease the supply of CO2 used by ecological systems. Oceans and forests are the main ecological systems that use CO2. Oceans store CO2 in the water known as carbon sinks while forests intake CO2 and produce oxygen. When altering the CO2 balance, the oceans and forests may be depleted of their natural supplies of CO2, which will lead to catastrophic effects in many ecosystems. As well, humans and many species depend on the forests to supply valuable oxygen; however, without the trees receiving CO2, the supply of oxygen cannot be maintained as easily.

Lastly, methanol is not a “cure-for-all” fuel. “The fact is that methanol combustion results in substantial emissions, including oxides of nitrogen and formaldehyde, which is a probable human carcinogen and a highly reactive precursor of ozone smog.” As well, “methanol, when ingested or absorbed through the skin, is acutely toxic and can cause blindness or death.”

In my opinion, methanol is an improvement from coal, oil, and natural gas in terms of a fuel source. As well, the conversion of CO2 to methanol can help reduce the effects of CO2 in regards to global warming. Nevertheless, methanol is not a reasonable alternative fuel because of its dangerous side effects as well as its potential to damage the environmental systems that depend on a constant supply of carbon dioxide.