By Jamie Martin
The future of renewable energy could lie in a more efficient process that transforms corn into methanol.
Supported by Minnesota Corn, University of Minnesota Professor Paul Dauenhauer is leading a project that aims to make full use of corn’s glucose polymers through inorganic catalysis.
Currently, corn ethanol production yields about three gallons of fuel per bushel. However, traditional fermentation methods consume a third of the glucose in yeast metabolism, releasing CO2 as a byproduct.
Dauenhauer proposes using inorganic catalysts instead, allowing 100 percent conversion of corn glucose into methanol.
“Methanol has a universality to it,” Dauenhauer explained. “Using existing technology you can make methanol into jet fuel. You can also make clean burning diesel fuel, and you can make polyethylene polymers—plastics.”
His team is testing metal catalysts to find the most efficient and cost-effective method for large-scale production. The project aims to boost fuel yields by 50 percent while preserving essential corn coproducts like fiber and oil for livestock feed.
Methanol-based fuels could play a key role in reducing carbon emissions. Dauenhauer highlighted, “The benefit of using dimethyl ether in a diesel engine versus conventional diesel is it burns really cleanly.” The potential for corn-derived methanol to supply the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) market is also under study.
The research continues through 2028, focusing on process refinement and assessing the economics of converting ethanol plants into methanol facilities.
Minnesota Corn is funding other ethanol innovation projects, including efforts to run diesel engines on high-ethanol blends and turn ethanol with captured CO2 into sustainable jet fuel. These advances mark a major step toward a cleaner, more flexible bioenergy future.
Photo Credit: getty-images-elhenyo
Categories: National