The British company developed a system with the ability to split methane into hydrogen, which can be used as fuel, and carbon in the form of super-strong graphene material.
The Loop system splits the methane molecules in this metal “ball” into hydrogen and carbon. Image: BBC
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas formed from hydrogen and carbon. It does not stay in the atmosphere as long as CO2 but retains more heat. About 60% of this gas is generated from human-related activities such as farming, fossil fuel production and decomposing waste.
At some locations, methane is captured and burned to produce energy, but still releases CO2. Therefore, the British company Levidian has developed a cleaner solution.
“Our Loop system uses microwave energy to split captured methane molecules into carbon and hydrogen. Hydrogen can power factories, trucks or ships. It is a type of fuel clean because when burned, it only produces heat and energy, no CO2 emissions, only water vapor from methane in solid form, called graphene, falling into a funnel,” said John Hartley, CEO of Levidian , said.
Graphene is the thinnest and strongest material ever recorded. It is also transparent, flexible, and conducts heat and electricity well. “Just a small amount of graphene in everyday items makes a big difference,” said Ellie Galanis, director of commercial development at Levidian.
Levidian uses carbon from the greenhouse gas methane to innovate tires. Image: BBC
Adding a little graphene to rubber tires could make them stronger, lighter and more fuel efficient, Galanis said. According to estimates, if all heavy trucks in the UK switched to these tires, the industry would save £300 million a year on fuel.
“We found that if you add graphene to concrete, you can remove some of the cement from the mixture. This is better for the environment. This material can also be put in surgical gloves to prevent tearing. Yes so many applications,” Galanis said.
Graphene was discovered in Manchester 20 years ago but has yet to make its commercial mark. The biggest challenge is that no one has been able to produce high-quality graphene in large quantities yet, but the Loop system will, according to Alistair Donaldson, Levidian’s chief technology officer. “We are working with many different manufacturers. We can supply graphene in powder, pellet or liquid form, for them to integrate into many different systems without changing their processes,” Donaldson said.
Levidian has installed the Loop system at several test sites around the world, including Worthy Farm, site of Glastonbury Festival. There, the system converts methane captured from cow manure. In the spring, Levidian will begin a similar project with United Utilities, using biogas from wastewater treatment. This project received £3 million in funding from the government.
Levidian has also developed a second generation Loop system with the ability to process 20 times more methane than the previous generation. This system is expected to be deployed later this year.