Turning methane into the world's strongest material

Levidian, a company based in Cambridge, is making strides in the fight against climate change by transforming methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into graphene, one of the strongest materials known to science. Methane is produced through various human activities, including agriculture, fossil fuel extraction, and the decomposition of waste in landfills. While it does not linger in the atmosphere as long as carbon dioxide, it is significantly more effective at trapping heat, making it a major contributor to global warming. The UK government has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and Levidian believes it has found a viable solution to address methane emissions. In a laboratory, scientist Ellie Galanis examines a car tire that has been enhanced with graphene. This innovative material has the potential to improve the performance and environmental impact of tires, making them last longer and consume less fuel. John Hartley, the CEO of Levidian, explains that their technology, known as the Loop system, utilizes microwave energy to break down captured methane into its basic components: hydrogen and carbon. The hydrogen produced can serve as a clean fuel for various applications, including powering factories, trucks, and ships. When burned, hydrogen generates energy without releasing carbon dioxide, only producing water vapor. The carbon extracted from methane is converted into graphene, a remarkable material that is both lightweight and incredibly strong. Graphene has numerous applications, and even a small amount can significantly enhance the properties of everyday products. For instance, incorporating graphene into tire rubber can lead to longer-lasting, lighter tires that improve fuel efficiency. Levidian estimates that if all heavy goods vehicles in the UK adopted these enhanced tires, the industry could save around £300 million annually in fuel costs. Additionally, graphene can be mixed into concrete to reduce the amount of cement required, which is beneficial for the environment. It can also be used in medical applications, such as making surgical gloves more durable. Graphene is only one atom thick, making it the thinnest material known, yet it is also the strongest. Although graphene was discovered two decades ago, it has not yet been widely commercialized. Alistair Donaldson, Levidian's chief technology officer, notes that the main challenge has been producing high-quality graphene in sufficient quantities. However, the Loop system is designed to overcome this hurdle. Levidian is collaborating with various manufacturers to provide graphene in different forms, such as powder, pellets, or liquid, allowing for easy integration into existing production processes. David Reiner, a professor of technology policy at Cambridge's Judge Business School, emphasizes the importance of addressing methane emissions to meet the government's targets. He points out that while much focus has been placed on technologies that reduce emissions, such as electric vehicles and heat pumps, it is equally crucial to develop technologies that actively remove emissions. Levidian's approach represents a significant step in this direction. The company has already installed its Loop system at test sites worldwide, including a location in the UK where it captures methane from cow manure. In the near future, Levidian will begin a project with United Utilities to convert biogas from wastewater treatment into energy, a venture that has received £3 million in government funding. Furthermore, Levidian is set to launch a second-generation Loop system capable of processing twenty times more methane than its predecessor, which will be deployed later this year. The future looks promising for Levidian and its innovative technology, as it aims to play a crucial role in combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.