M2X Energy, SCGC to Develop Catalyst for Syngas to Methanol Conversion

M2X Energy and SGC Chemicals (SCGC) have formed a joint development program to optimize chemical transformations within M2X’s modular process. The collaboration will leverage catalyst R&D and manufacturing expertise to streamline the catalytic steps to form methanol from synthetic gas (syngas) intermediates. Novel catalyst formulations will be identified to increase catalyst activity, lower byproduct formation, and improve catalyst lifetime.

“Building on the momentum of our recent field demonstration, this partnership with SCGC could further intensify M2X’s process, through better catalysts,” said Paul Yelvington, Chief Science Officer at M2X. “This work enables refinements to our compact, transportable plants that utilize stranded gas that is often otherwise flared or vented.”

The developed catalysts have been deployed on current M2X gas-to-methanol units with successful outcomes. Conditions within the M2X process provide opportunities for additional formulation work, which could synthesize yield catalysts tailored to the requirements for distributed methanol production using M2X’s partial-oxidation reformer technology. SCGC and M2X will combine their technical staff with expertise in catalyst design, reactor testing, accelerated catalyst aging protocols, and advanced materials characterization.

The collaboration between M2X and SCGC aligns with the priority to reduce methane emissions that was established at the COP28 conference in Dubai. Outcomes from the development program will build on M2X’s modular plant deployed at an oil well site in North Dakota.

“Methane is a potent GHG problem globally and at SCGC, we are committed to innovate new solutions to help our partners and clients achieve their emission goals. We are excited to collaborate further with M2X,” said Dr. Suracha Udomsak, Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Vice President-New Business, SCGC. “SCGC’s expertise in catalyst R&D will further accelerate M2X’s technology development following their successful field trial runs. We are also enthusiastic about the potential deployment of M2X’s modular units to convert methane emissions to low-carbon methanol all over Asia.”