IIT Guwahati Develops Sustainable Solution to Turn Greenhouse Gases into Biofuel

Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed an advanced biological process to convert methane and carbon dioxide into eco-friendly biofuels using methanotrophic bacteria.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) have developed an advanced biological method to convert methane and carbon dioxide into cleaner, eco-friendly biofuels using methanotrophic bacteria. This cutting-edge approach marks a significant breakthrough in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions while contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change.

The research, led by Prof. Debasish Das and Dr. Krishna Kalyani Sahoo from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, has been published in Fuel, a prestigious journal by Elsevier. The study tackles two critical global challenges: the adverse environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of fossil fuel reserves. By offering a biological solution to repurpose methane and carbon dioxide, the researchers aim to reduce the harmful effects of these gases while creating a renewable energy source.

This innovative work not only provides a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels but also demonstrates the potential of leveraging biotechnology to address pressing environmental and energy concerns on a global scale.

The research team at IIT Guwahati has developed a fully biological process utilizing Methylosinus trichosporium, a type of methanotrophic bacteria, to convert methane and carbon dioxide into bio-methanol under mild operating conditions. Unlike conventional chemical methods, this innovative approach eliminates the need for costly catalysts, avoids the generation of toxic by-products, and operates with significantly greater energy efficiency, making it a cleaner and more sustainable alternative for biofuel production. The innovative two-stage process involves:

1. Capturing methane to generate bacteria-based biomass.
2. Utilising the biomass to convert carbon dioxide into methanol.

The team further optimized the process using advanced engineering techniques to enhance gas solubility, resulting in a significant improvement in methanol yields. The bio-methanol produced was then blended with diesel in varying ratios (5-20%) and tested in a four-stroke diesel engine. Key findings from the tests include:

• Emission Reductions: Up to 87% reduction in carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulphide, and smoke emissions.
• Improved Efficiency: Diesel-methanol blends outperformed pure diesel in fuel consumption, energy efficiency, and engine performance while maintaining similar mechanical efficiency.

Speaking about the research, Prof. Debasish Das, Dept. of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati, said, “This research is a breakthrough as it demonstrates that bio-methanol, derived from bacteria feeding on methane and carbon dioxide, can be a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Unlike conventional biofuels that rely on crops and create competition with food production, our method uses greenhouse gases, avoiding the ‘food vs. fuel’ issue. It is an environmentally and economically viable solution, utilising inexpensive resources while contributing to emissions reduction.”

This innovation aligns with global sustainability goals, reflecting IIT Guwahati's dedication to advancing research that tackles pressing environmental challenges while promoting clean energy solutions. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, this development marks a significant step forward in the journey toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

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