Methanol
摘要
Methanol is becoming more and more well-known as a low-carbon fuel, adaptable chemical feedstock, and useful energy carrier. It is a liquid with a high hydrogen concentration at room temperature. Its whole supply chain is reviewed in this chapter. In order to evaluate energy efficiency and life-cycle emissions, production methods are benchmarked from well-known thermochemical approaches, such as coal, biomass gasification, and steam-methane reforming, to newer CO2-to-methanol alternatives, such as catalytic hydrogenation and electrochemical CO2 reduction. Safety, cost, and energy-density trade-offs are noted as storage methods for bulk liquid confinement, derivative chemical conversion, and materials-based adsorption are examined. The analysis is completed by transport logistics using road and rail tank cars, ocean tankers, and dedicated pipelines, which frame the technological and regulatory factors that will influence methanol’s place in future low-carbon energy systems.