Towards Oil Independence Through Renewable Methanol Chemistry

摘要

Coal, oil, and natural gas, so called fossil fuels, since the industrial revolution in the 18th century have provided mankind with cheap, accessible energy, fuels, and raw materials for varied products and materials. What nature has given us as a most precious gift is however increasingly consumed and depleted. Petroleum oil was recognized to be an essential source for illuminating oil in the 1860s followed by its use for heating and varied other applications including eventually electricity generation. It became essential for the production of transportation fuels after the introduction of internal combustion engines for cars and other vehicles, followed by planes and other means of transportation. Its use as a raw material for petrochemical and chemical products also gained great significance. The demand for oil continues to expand owing to a growing population and increase in standard of living. Our oil reserves are however limited and the majority of the remaining reserves are located in the Middle East and other politically sensitive regions setting the trend for great uncertainty. New discoveries (including shale gas), advanced technologies, savings, and improved methods of use, as well as changing economic climates have extended the availability of relatively "cheap oil", albeit only by decades. By all estimates we will continue to face an increased shortage and thus increase in prices. At the end of the century this will result in inevitable fundamental changes in the availability and use of oil. Now is clearly the time to develop new feasible substitutes for petroleum oil.