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Global warming

New Research on Energy - Fuel Research Highlights Opportunities in Coal Bed Methane Recovery

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A new study published in the Journal of Fuel has provided insights into the potential of coal bed methane recovery (CBM) in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The research, conducted by a team of scientists from the Iran University of Science and Technology, has highlighted the suitability of asphaltene structures for CO2-ECBM, where CO2 can be used to displace methane in coal seams. This innovative approach could aid both methane recovery and greenhouse gas mitigation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The global energy supply relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, despite efforts to reduce CO2 emissions through renewable energy.
  • Coal bed methane recovery (CBM) presents opportunities in addressing greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating a thorough understanding to minimize associated risks.
  • The study utilized grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC), molecular dynamics (MD), and density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the adsorption of CO2, CH4, and N2 on asphaltene models.
  • The results show that CO2 has the highest adsorption energy, with values of up to -12 kJ/mol on asphaltene models, compared to -8 kJ/mol for CH4 and -7 kJ/mol for N2.
  • Temperature was found to reduce adsorption capacity, while increased pressure positively affected gas uptake, agreeing with experiments.
  • The isosteric heats of adsorption for all gases were below 10 kJ/mol, indicating a physisorption process.
  • DFT analysis showed that the adsorption of gases on asphaltene molecules was a physical process (van der Waals interaction).
  • The study concluded that asphaltene-based adsorbents could be developed for more efficient carbon capture and storage technologies.

Statistics:

  • The global energy supply relies on fossil fuels, accounting for up to 85% of overall energy consumption (Source: International Energy Agency).
  • Renewable energy sources provided 26% of global power generation in 2020, up from 21% in 2010 (Source: International Energy Agency).
  • The study found that CO2 has the highest adsorption energy, with values of up to -12 kJ/mol on asphaltene models.
  • The isosteric heats of adsorption for all gases were below 10 kJ/mol, indicating a physisorption process.
  • The study concluded that the strong interaction between CO2 and asphaltene suggests that asphaltene-based adsorbents could be developed for more efficient carbon capture and storage technologies.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Reports Summarize Fuel Research Findings from Iran University of Science and Technology (Theoretical Investigation of Co2/n2-enhanced Coalbed Methane Recovery In Coal-derived Asphaltenes). Global Warming Focus. September 1, 2025; p 602.
  • Theoretical Investigation of Co2/n2-enhanced Coalbed Methane Recovery In Coal-derived Asphaltenes. Fuel, 2025;395.
  • Iran University of Science and Technology, Dept. of Chemistry, Tehran, Iran.
  • Elsevier Sci Ltd, 125 London Wall, London, England. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Fuel - www.journals.elsevier.com/fuel/)

Note: This report has been prepared based on the information provided in the original text and may not reflect the views or opinions of the researchers or institutions involved.

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