Applications of Synthesis Gas H2 and Methanol

Partial oxidation of methane (or hydrocarbons) is another option to produce syngas [4], This process, which runs without a catalyst, needs high temperatures for high CH4 conversion and to suppress soot formation. The process can handle other feedstocks, such as heavy oil factions and biomass, and yields syngas with a H2/CO ratio of about 2. The process is eminently suitable for large-scale production of syngas (e.g. for gas-to-liquids [GTL] plants). 

A catalytic version of partial oxidation (CPO) exists as well [5, 6]. It is based on short-contact time conversion of methane, hydrocarbons, or biomass on, for example, rhodium catalysts. This process is suitable for small-scale applications. 

An alternative route to synthesis gas, which may become important in the future, is by reducing C02 (e.g. from flue gas) with H2 originating from the electrolytic splitting of water. This option is also interesting from the viewpoint of storage of wind or solar energy [7]. 

In the next section, we describe the major applications of syngas production of hydrogen, methanol, and synthetic fuels, with emphasis on the latter. 

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