Nanoparticles: Are They Viable Reagents for Upgrading the Quality of Raw Natural Gas?

70125 The economics of natural gas could be improved if its quality could be enhanced before entering the pipeline. Some of the natural gas contaminants that need to be efficiently removed are hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, water, natural gas liquids and nitrogen. This project will determine the technical and economic feasibility of using nanoparticles as absorbents for the removal of various contaminants present in natural gas. In Phase I, nanoparticles of metal hydroxides or oxides will be prepared and tested as absorbents for the contaminants present in natural gas. The absorption of all contaminants will be optimized by modifiying (by coating or chemical derivatization) of the most promising nanoparticles. Using the formulations identified in Phase I, Phase II will optimize process parameters for treating natural gas from various sources and with a variety of contaminants. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The nanostructured absorbents should purify natural gas streams containing high levels of hydrogen sulfide, commonly referred to as ¿sour gas¿. Other applications include the removal of contaminants in other industrial gas streams and the purification of air in hospitals, airplanes, houses, and factories.