Methanol Basics
Methanol (CH3OH), also known as wood alcohol, is considered an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Today, most of the world's methanol is produced by a process using natural gas as a feedstock.
Methanol can be used to make methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), an oxygenate that is blended with gasoline to enhance octane and create cleaner burning fuel. MTBE production and use has declined in recent years because it has been found to contaminate ground water.
As an engine fuel, methanol has similar chemical and physical characteristics as ethanol. For more information, see the Fuel Properties section.
Methanol Production
Methanol is methane with one hydrogen molecule replaced by a hydroxyl radical (OH). It is predominantly produced by steam reforming natural gas to create a synthesis gas, which is then fed into a reactor vessel in the presence of a catalyst. This process then produces methanol and water vapor. Although a variety of feedstocks can be used to create methanol, today's economics favor the use of natural gas.
Methanol Benefits
Methanol's physical and chemical characteristics offer several advantages as an alternative fuel. Benefits include relatively low production cost and a lower risk of flammability compared to gasoline. In addition, methanol can be manufactured from a variety of carbon-based feedstocks, such as coal. Its use could also help reduce U.S. dependence on imported petroleum.
In addition, methanol can be made into hydrogen. Researchers are currently looking at ways to overcome the barriers to using methanol as a hydrogen fuel source for future fuel cell vehicles.
For more information on methanol, visit the Methanol Institute Web site.