The Need
Current syngas production from methane relies on energy-intensive air separation units (ASUs) to supply molecular oxygen, driving up capital and operating costs. Conventional catalysts also suffer from carbon deposition at low oxidant concentrations, limiting process flexibility and efficiency. There is a critical need for a more economical, robust, and flexible method to generate syngas for fuels and chemicals, without the drawbacks of ASUs and catalyst deactivation.

The Technology
This patented technology, developed by OSU engineers, utilizes a stable-phase metal oxide oxygen carrier to mediate partial oxidation of methane, transferring oxygen from reforming agents (steam and/or CO₂) directly to methane. The process operates via gas-solid reactions, where lattice oxygen from the metal oxide is cyclically abstracted and replenished, enabling syngas production without molecular oxygen. The system’s thermodynamics and kinetics are tuned by the solid phase properties, allowing for high conversion and purity, and eliminating the need for gas purges or ASUs.

Commercial Applications
• Gas-to-liquid (GTL) fuel production
• Hydrogen generation with integrated CO₂ utilization
• Chemical manufacturing
• Distributed syngas generation for remote or modular plants
• Industrial decarbonization and carbon capture processes

Benefits/Advantages
• Eliminates ASU: No need for molecular oxygen, reducing energy and capital costs
• High Syngas Yield and Purity: Demonstrated >95% methane conversion and >98% syngas purity
• Flexible Operation: Wide range of feedstock ratios and operating conditions; robust against carbon deposition
• Scalable and Modular: Suitable for both large-scale and distributed applications
• Enhanced Process Control: Solid-phase mediation enables precise tuning of syngas composition and process stability