University of Queensland Develops Solar-Powered Catalyst to Convert Methane to Ethylene

Researchers from the University of Queensland have developed a method to convert methane into ethylene using solar power, addressing the greenhouse gas's emissions. Led by Professor Lianzhou Wang, the project utilizes a palladium-gold alloy catalyst with titanium dioxide, harnessing Australia's solar intensity to facilitate the conversion process more sustainably than traditional high-temperature methods.

The resultant ethylene is vital for producing plastics and textiles. The technology aims to mitigate methane emissions from agriculture and coal mining by potentially integrating into livestock facilities or being deployed near methane sources. The project, supported by the Australian Research Council, seeks to explore cost-effective alternatives to expensive metals like gold in the catalyst.