Bradley C Bockrath

US Patent:

62678493, Jul 31, 2001

Filed:

Jul 14, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/616689

Inventors:

Charles E. Taylor - Pittsburg PA
Richard P. Noceti - Pittsburg PA
Bradley C. Bockrath - Bethel Park PA

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States Department
of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

C07C 2900
C07C 3700

US Classification:

2041579

Abstract:

A method for converting methane hydrates to methanol, as well as hydrogen, through exposure to light. The process includes conversion of methane hydrates by light where a radical initiator has been added, and may be modified to include the conversion of methane hydrates with light where a photocatalyst doped by a suitable metal and an electron transfer agent to produce methanol and hydrogen. The present invention operates at temperatures below 0. degree. C. , and allows for the direct conversion of methane contained within the hydrate in situ.