Nanoscale catalyst converts syngas to ethanol

Ethanol Producer Magazine - September 2008
By Ryan C. Christiansen
Web exclusive posted August 15, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. CST

Researchers from the U.S. DOE’s Ames Laboratory and Iowa State University are using nanoscale porous catalysts to ferment gasified waste into ethanol. The scientists hope to be able to use the technology to create ethanol from a wide range of biomass, including distillers grains, corn stover, grass, wood pulp, as well as animal and municipal waste.

Using an oxygen-controlled, high-temperature and high-pressure gasification process developed by the university’s Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies, researchers are converting carbon-based feedstocks into synthesis gas, which is made up primarily of carbon monoxide and hydrogen with smaller quantities of carbon dioxide and methane.

Read the full story