What is methanol used for and why does it matter?

While methanol is a clear liquid used in common products like plastic, paint, and cosmetics, it is also used as fuel in the marine, automotive, and electricity sectors.

Derivative chemicals include acetic acid (fleece, adhesives, paint), methyl methacrylate (computer and phone screens), silicone (sealants, lubricants, medical equipment), olefins (plastics and polypropylene), and formaldehyde (MDF and plywood). Methanol is used extensively in the auto industry for things like paint, carpet and fabric, headlight lenses, body panels, safety glass, dashboard foam, and acetyl thermoplastics (gears, pumps, distributor caps, fuses, mouldings, and compounds).

As a fuel, methanol is relatively clean burning and biodegradable. It is most often used in ships, automobiles, cooking, and heating.

What about renewable methanol?

Renewable methanol is produced by combining carbon dioxide and green hydrogen, or it can be derived from renewable biomass. Compared to standard fuels, renewable methanol can significantly lower carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.

Syzygy is working on multiple reactions based on its initial photoreactor design, one of which is a carbon dioxide utilization process. It combines carbon dioxide with methane to generate syngas, which can then be used to produce methanol and synfuels. Read more on the Syzygy R&D page.