Methanol: Difference between revisions
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Methanol is a liquid [[carbohydrate]], thus capable of [[energy storage|storing large amounts of energy]]. In a [[settlement]] on [[Mars]] it has the potential to play a central part of [[energy]] management. Additionally, it can be used as a resource for making other carbohydrates, finally to produce [[synthetic materials]]. | Methanol is a liquid [[carbohydrate]], thus capable of [[energy storage|storing large amounts of energy]]. In a [[settlement]] on [[Mars]] it has the potential to play a central part of [[energy]] management. Additionally, it can be used as a resource for making other carbohydrates, finally to produce [[synthetic materials]]. | ||
==Methanol synthesis== | |||
Methanol can be produced from [[methane]] and [[water]]. | |||
First step: Production of synthesis gas | |||
:CH<sub>4</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O → CO + 3 H<sub>2</sub> | |||
Second step: Synthesis of methanol | |||
:CO + 2 H<sub>2</sub> → CH<sub>3</sub>OH | |||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
[[category:chemistry]] | [[category:chemistry]] | ||
[[category:ISRU]] | [[category:ISRU]] | ||
Revision as of 18:47, 6 November 2010
Methanol, CH3OH, is the simplest alcohol. It is commonly used as a building block for other chemicals, such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and dimethyl ether. Like ethanol and other alcohols, methanol is toxic and highly flammable.
Methanol is a liquid carbohydrate, thus capable of storing large amounts of energy. In a settlement on Mars it has the potential to play a central part of energy management. Additionally, it can be used as a resource for making other carbohydrates, finally to produce synthetic materials.
Methanol synthesis
Methanol can be produced from methane and water.
First step: Production of synthesis gas
- CH4 + H2O → CO + 3 H2
Second step: Synthesis of methanol
- CO + 2 H2 → CH3OH
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