--- title: "Methanol, a substance for the future" date: 2021-10-22T12:16:00+02:00 author: Appmanschap canonical_url: "https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/methanol-substance-for-the-future/" section: Insight --- ![Methanol laboratory](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2hlcm8vb2xkX3NpdGUvTWV0aGFub2wtbGFib3JhdG9yeS5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJqcGVnIjp7InF1YWxpdHkiOjgyLCJwcm9ncmVzc2l2ZSI6dHJ1ZSwidHJlbGxpc1F1YW50aXNhdGlvbiI6dHJ1ZSwib3ZlcnNob290RGVyaW5naW5nIjp0cnVlLCJvcHRpbWl6ZVNjYW5zIjp0cnVlfSwicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo0MjAsImhlaWdodCI6MTc2LCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=) At room temperature methanol is a colorless and volatile liquid. Its formula, CH₃OH, shows that methanol is one of the simplest alcohols. As opposed to ethanol, the alcohol used to produce alcoholic beverages, methanol is highly toxic. Methanol is primarily used in the chemical industry. Due to its simplicity this alcohol is a commonly used raw material for many different applications. Combined with other raw materials methanol can be converted into, for example, acetic acid and formaldehyde, a substance that plays an important role in various industries. In addition, methanol is used for the production of [biodiesel](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/biofuel/). ## How is methanol formed? Methanol is naturally formed through fermentation of pentoses (sugars containing five carbon atoms). However, it is also possible to synthetically produce methanol from other chemical substances or from coal, biomass and natural gas. When using natural gas, the methanol is formed during a reaction involving steam, for which methane is most commonly used. With the right treatment, involving hydrogen gas, this hydrocarbon can be converted into methanol and water. After filtering the water and possibly other byproducts, pure methanol remains. Methods to make the methanol extraction process more sustainable are currently being looked into. Past research in this field includes trying to use [sunlight](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/what-is-solar-energy/) in the process and trying to obtain the raw materials for methanol from air. As soon as this is applicable at a large scale it will be possible to produce methanol [sustainably](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/sustainable-energy-sources/). It is also possible to obtain methanol from residual materials from other chemical substances, which could be an important step during the transition towards a more [circular economy](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/circular-economy/). ## Applications of methanol Methanol can be used for a variety of applications. It is an excellent solvent and forms the basis for many chemical processes. A small amount of methanol is added to spiritus to ensure ethanol as a fuel can be excluded from the excise duties on consumer alcohol. This makes spiritus unsuitable for human consumption, and as such no excise duties have to be added to its price. An emetic is added to prevent methanol poisoning in those who attempt to drink it regardless. Methanol poisoning occurs frequently, as methanol can emerge during improper preparation of consumer alcohol. ### Methanol as fuel More important is the fact that methanol can be used as fuel, in its pure form or blended with other types of fuel. Methanol is often preferable to [hydrogen](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/hydrogen-an-alternative-energy-source/), seeing as transporting and storing methanol is easier and safer. However, a disadvantage of methanol is that it is less volatile than hydrogen and combusts at lower temperatures, which makes it harder to start an engine when it’s cold. The amount of energy released during the combustion of methanol is also smaller than the amount released from hydrogen, meaning one would need a larger amount of methanol to achieve the same results. Another large disadvantage is that the engine will wear out faster, because the combustion of methanol results in various acidic byproducts, which damage the engine. This can be prevented by adding neutralizing agents or by applying a coating to the engine that will prevent this damage. Already methanol is occasionally used as fuel in maritime transport, even though this does require modifying the engine first. One of the most important benefits of methanol in comparison to regular fuels is that its emissions of fine particulate, sulfur and NOx are considerably lower. This is because methanol combusts more completely than, for example, gas oil. The possibilities of using methanol in combustion engines are being further investigated. China in particular is focusing on this. Here methanol is already blended into fuels offered to private individuals, whom can choose between 5, 10, 15, 85 or 100% methanol. ![Methanol v2 1](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2NvbnRlbnQvb2xkX3NpdGUvTWV0aGFub2xfdjItMS5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJqcGVnIjp7InF1YWxpdHkiOjgyLCJwcm9ncmVzc2l2ZSI6dHJ1ZSwidHJlbGxpc1F1YW50aXNhdGlvbiI6dHJ1ZSwib3ZlcnNob290RGVyaW5naW5nIjp0cnVlLCJvcHRpbWl6ZVNjYW5zIjp0cnVlfSwicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo0MjAsImhlaWdodCI6Mjg4LCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=) ### Renewable methanol Methanol as a renewable energy source can contribute to achieving climate objectives, since methanol can be obtained from biomass. When methanol is obtained from organic waste it can be considered a sustainable energy source too. Methanol plays an important role in the production of biodiesel, another biofuel obtained from biomass. However, biomass requires chemical treatment with methanol or ethanol in order to be converted into biodiesel. As such, methanol is an important link within the energy transition. The usability of methanol as a primary fuel is being researched as well. Considering the speed at which we are running out of fossil energy sources it is crucial to investigate alternatives, such as renewable methanol, also called biomethanol. Biomethanol is obtained from biogas released in biodigesters. This method results in hydrogen, which can be converted into methanol through CO₂ injections, which means all raw materials in this chain are put to good use. ### Electricity from methanol Methanol can already be converted into electricity in fuel cells. This takes place in a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC). At the moment this process is not yet very efficient, which makes methanol fuel cells, even if combined with electric engines, unsuitable as a replacement for fuel engines. However, DMFCs are already suitable for smaller vehicles and applications with a low energy demand. A large advantage of DMFCs is that they can store large amounts of energy in a relatively small space. However, the water the DMFC uses to generate the energy is constantly recycled and due to the energy lost during the CO₂ removal DMFCs are not very efficient. ## Join the conversation For years Bredenoord has been focusing on researching sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel and new ways to reduce emission. We are fully exploring the possibilities of methanol as well. Would you like to know what we are doing in this field or are you interested in a collaboration? Feel free to contact us. Share this insight - [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/methanol-substance-for-the-future/) - [ LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/methanol-substance-for-the-future/) - [ E-mail ](mailto:?Subject=Methanol%2C%20a%20substance%20for%20the%20future&Body=https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/methanol-substance-for-the-future/) Need advice? I'm happy to help you ![Kasper Keukens Bredenoord](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2F2YXRhci9LYXNwZXItS2V1a2Vucy1CcmVkZW5vb3JkLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InBuZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo4MiwicHJvZ3Jlc3NpdmUiOnRydWV9LCJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjEyMCwiaGVpZ2h0IjoxNjAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==) Kasper KeukensProduct Manager Power Generation ![Kasper Keukens Bredenoord](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2F2YXRhci9LYXNwZXItS2V1a2Vucy1CcmVkZW5vb3JkLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InBuZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo4MiwicHJvZ3Jlc3NpdmUiOnRydWV9LCJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjQwMCwiaGVpZ2h0IjozNzksImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==) **Kasper Keukens**Product Manager Power Generation ## More insights [ View all insights ](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/) [![Circulai bouwen](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2hlcm8vb2xkX3NpdGUvQ2lyY3VsYWktYm91d2VuLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7ImpwZWciOnsicXVhbGl0eSI6ODIsInByb2dyZXNzaXZlIjp0cnVlLCJ0cmVsbGlzUXVhbnRpc2F0aW9uIjp0cnVlLCJvdmVyc2hvb3REZXJpbmdpbmciOnRydWUsIm9wdGltaXplU2NhbnMiOnRydWV9LCJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjM3NSwiaGVpZ2h0IjozNzUsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==) Circular building towards a higher goal through collaboration Circular construction is becoming increasingly important due to the ambitious national and international climate goals. Preventing emission, reusing materials and avoiding waste are all part of this. For the building itself, circular working takes things a step further than just recycling. Through clever collaboration between all parties involved the processes on the construction site are arranged more efficiently and materials are reused, from the very beginning. This results in higher returns for all parties involved.](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/circular-building/ "Circular building towards a higher goal through collaboration")[![Mobile Solar Plant and Smart Power Bank on truck](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2hlcm8vb2xkX3NpdGUvTW9iaWxlLVNvbGFyLVBsYW50LWFuZC1TbWFydC1Qb3dlci1CYW5rLW9uLXRydWNrLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7ImpwZWciOnsicXVhbGl0eSI6ODIsInByb2dyZXNzaXZlIjp0cnVlLCJ0cmVsbGlzUXVhbnRpc2F0aW9uIjp0cnVlLCJvdmVyc2hvb3REZXJpbmdpbmciOnRydWUsIm9wdGltaXplU2NhbnMiOnRydWV9LCJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjM3NSwiaGVpZ2h0IjozNzUsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==) The Smart Powerbank The Bredenoord Smart Powerbank is the solution for different applications with a varying power necessity. The Smart Powerbank provides optimal power security from batteries that are charged by solar (PV) panels and a generator. The Smart Powerbank is also available with a AC power supply. The power intelligence provides a smart switching mechanism between different sources and an optimal tuning between supply and demand. Consequently the consumption and emission are substantially lower. The hybrid generator can be deployed both as a back-up system and as an operational system.](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/smart-powerbank/ "The Smart Powerbank")[![Bredenoord header Big Battery Box](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2hlcm8vb2xkX3NpdGUvQ2FzZS1IZWFkZXItQmlnLUJhdHRlcnktQm94LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7ImpwZWciOnsicXVhbGl0eSI6ODIsInByb2dyZXNzaXZlIjp0cnVlLCJ0cmVsbGlzUXVhbnRpc2F0aW9uIjp0cnVlLCJvdmVyc2hvb3REZXJpbmdpbmciOnRydWUsIm9wdGltaXplU2NhbnMiOnRydWV9LCJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjM3NSwiaGVpZ2h0IjozNzUsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==) Energy storage as a tool to work more sustainable and emission free In permits and tenders for construction work and events they more and more ask for it: to work clean, silent and sustainable. At first glance this looks like a challenge in places where there's no, or not enough, power. However, the solution becomes available on an ever-increasing scale: batteries for energy storage. These batteries can be combined with solar energy, the grid or standard generators. This way you are assured of power, while you can work silently, barely emit CO2 and can meet strict environmental requirements.](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/energy-storage/ "Energy storage as a tool to work more sustainable and emission free") [ View all insights ](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/) ![Kasper Keukens Bredenoord](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2F2YXRhci9LYXNwZXItS2V1a2Vucy1CcmVkZW5vb3JkLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InBuZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo4MiwicHJvZ3Jlc3NpdmUiOnRydWV9LCJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjQwMCwiaGVpZ2h0IjozNzksImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==) **Kasper Keukens**Product Manager Power Generation