Hydrocarbon synthesis
Hydrocarbon Synthesis is the generation of hydrocarbon molecules from other molecules containing hydrogen and carbon.
Contents
Methods
Natural Synthesis
Some bacteria and algae naturally produce hydrocarbons such as methane. Bioengineered microbes could be used in an industrial scale. All living organisms use hydrocarbons for energy storage and the elaboration of living tissues. biomass is the portion of hydrocarbons that cannot be used as food.
Artificial Synthesis
The building blocks of hydrocarbons, Hydrogen and Carbon, are readily available on Mars. Carbon Dioxide is the major component of the atmosphere. Water from the surface of Mars can be split through electrolysis. These building blocks are assembled through various chemical reactions.
Sabatier Reaction
Production of methane is possible via the Sabatier reaction:
- CO2 + 4H2 ↔ CH4 + 2H2O
The forward reaction takes place in the presence of high temperatures and pressures, with a catalyst. Catalysts of nickel, ruthenium, or alumina can be used.
Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction
Carbon monoxide can be produced via the Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction:
- CO2 + H2 → CO + H2O (deltaH = +9 kcal/mole)
The catalyst for this reaction is silica with 5% copper and a small amount of nickel.
Fischer-Tropsch Reaction
The Fischer-Tropsch reaction converts hydrogen and carbon monoxide into various hydrocarbons.
'n' is any positive number.
Catalysts for this reaction include iron, cobalt, ruthenium, and nickel.
The reaction can produce C2H4 Ethylene, than serves as a precursor for polyethylene.
