methanolbased

Methanol-based describes products, fuels, or processes that rely on methanol as a primary component or feedstock. Methanol is the simplest alcohol (chemical formula CH3OH) and serves as a versatile chemical used in fuels, solvents, and as a chemical building block for numerous derivatives. It is produced mainly by catalytic synthesis from synthesis gas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, derived from natural gas, coal, or biomass. In recent years, routes based on CO2 hydrogenation or biomass gasification have been explored to create low-carbon or renewable methanol.

Production and supply chains depend on the source of carbon and energy. Conventional methanol comes from fossil fuels, but “green methanol” denotes processes powered by low-carbon electricity or renewable fuels and/or captured carbon, aiming to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. Purification and handling are important due to methanol’s toxicity and flammability.

Common uses include methanol fuels (neat methanol or blends with gasoline) in dedicated engines or flex-fuel systems, as well as the chemical feedstock for formaldehyde, acetic acid, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), and dimethyl ether (DME). It also serves as a precursor for polymers such as polyoxymethylene and for various value-added chemicals.

Safety and environmental considerations are central to methanol-based applications. Methanol is toxic if ingested, can irritate the eyes and skin, and emits vapors that pose flammability risks. While methanol can reduce certain emissions when used as a gasoline substitute, its production and supply chain require careful regulation, infrastructure, and safety measures.