A new type of catalyst which will help to convert natural gas into plastic and alternative fuels has been unveiled in Japan, Reuters reported yesterday (23rd October).

At present, methanol - which is central to the production of plastic - and a number of other auto fuels are made by using nickel or platinum as a catalyst to turn natural gas into carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

But now researchers at the University of Tsukuba have confirmed that their findings will mean that production costs will decrease - a major boost to manufacturers.

The catalyst, made from nickel finely coated in platinum or palladium, reduces heat more effectively in production by reusing it, while also only consuming between one-tenth and one-twentieth of the amount of platinum currently required.

Keiichi Tomishige, Associate Professor at the university, has explained that the new development - which was supported by the Japanese New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation - has proved successful in laboratory tests.

He told the news provider: "It takes two or three more steps to make it commercially available."

Countries such as South Africa are now commercially producing auto fuels made from natural gas rather than oil, due to its superior ability to reduce emissions and assist in cutting costs.



Source:

Japan develops cheaper catalyst to make plastic (23/10/08)
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE49M3OG20081023?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0