Ebook: Beyond Oil and Gas: The Methanol Economy, Second Edition

The world is currently consuming about 85 million barrels of oil a day, and about two-thirds as much natural gas equivalent, both derived from non-renewable natural sources. In the foreseeable future, our energy needs will come from any available alternate source. Methanol is one such viable alternative, and also offers a convenient solution for efficient energy storage on a large scale.

In this updated and enlarged edition, renowned chemists discuss in a clear and readily accessible manner the pros and cons of humankind's current main energy sources, while providing new ways to overcome obstacles.

Following an introduction, the authors look at the interrelationship of fuels and energy, and at the extent of our non-renewable fossil fuels. They also discuss the hydrogen economy and its significant shortcomings. The main focus is on the conversion of CO2 from industrial as well as natural sources into liquid methanol and related DME, a diesel fuel substitute that can replace LNG and LPG. The book is rounded off with an optimistic look at future possibilities.

A forward-looking and inspiring work that vividly illustrates potential solutions to our energy and environmental problems.

Content:
Chapter 1 Introduction (pages 1–10):
Chapter 2 History of Coal in the Industrial Revolution and Beyond (pages 11–17):
Chapter 3 History of Petroleum Oil and Natural Gas (pages 19–28):
Chapter 4 Fossil Fuel Resources and Their Use (pages 29–53):
Chapter 5 Diminishing Oil and Natural Gas Reserves (pages 55–63):
Chapter 6 The Continuing Need for Carbon Fuels, Hydrocarbons and their Products (pages 65–76):
Chapter 7 Fossil Fuels and Climate Change (pages 77–89):
Chapter 8 Renewable Energy Sources and Atomic Energy (pages 91–142):
Chapter 9 The Hydrogen Economy and its Limitations (pages 143–178):
Chapter 10 The “Methanol Economy”: General Aspects (pages 179–184):
Chapter 11 Methanol and Dimethyl Ether as Fuels and Energy Carriers (pages 185–231):
Chapter 12 Production of Methanol: From Fossil Fuels and Bio?Sources to Chemical Carbon Dioxide Recycling (pages 233–278):
Chapter 13 Methanol?Based Chemicals, Synthetic Hydrocarbons and Materials (pages 279–288):
Chapter 14 Conclusions and Outlook (pages 289–295):