Jobaaj Stories
In a significant advancement towards sustainable energy solutions, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) have developed a cutting-edge biological method to transform methane and carbon dioxide into eco-friendly biofuels. The innovation uses methanotrophic bacteria, presenting a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.
The research, led by Prof. Debasish Das and Dr. Krishna Kalyani Sahoo from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, has been published in the reputed journal Fuel by Elsevier.
Tackling Greenhouse Gases with Innovation
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, contributes 27-30 times more to global warming than carbon dioxide. Existing chemical methods to convert these gases into liquid fuels are often energy-intensive, costly, and generate toxic by-products, making them unsustainable at scale. The new method developed at IIT Guwahati offers a fully biological solution, eliminating these drawbacks.
The process utilizes Methylosinus trichosporium, a species of methanotrophic bacteria, to convert methane and carbon dioxide into bio-methanol under mild conditions. Unlike traditional approaches, this method requires no expensive catalysts and avoids producing harmful by-products. The researchers also optimized the process to enhance methanol yields by improving gas solubility through advanced engineering techniques.
The Two-Stage Process
The innovative method involves two main stages:
- Capturing methane to generate bacterial biomass.
- Utilizing the biomass to convert carbon dioxide into methanol.
"This research is a breakthrough as it demonstrates that bio-methanol, derived from bacteria feeding on methane and carbon dioxide, can be a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Unlike conventional biofuels that rely on crops and create competition with food production, our method uses greenhouse gases, avoiding the ‘food vs. fuel’ issue. It is an environmentally and economically viable solution, utilising inexpensive resources while contributing to emissions reduction," said Prof. Debasish Das.
A Sustainable Future
The technology addresses two critical global challenges: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating the depletion of fossil fuel reserves. By converting harmful gases into biofuel, the process not only mitigates environmental damage but also offers an alternative energy source that is both renewable and economically feasible.
The IIT Guwahati team’s innovation marks a significant step in the global effort to develop sustainable energy solutions and mitigate climate change, offering hope for a greener future.
