Argonne National Laboratory

Renewable Energy

Argonne maintains a wide-ranging science and technology portfolio that seeks to address complex challenges in interdisciplinary and innovative ways. Below is a list of all articles, highlights, profiles, projects, and organizations related specifically to renewable energy.

Filter Results

  • A method of preparing a nitrogen containing electrode catalyst
    Intellectual Property Available to License
    US Patent 8,835,343; US Patent 10,305,114
    • Non-platinum group metal electrocatalysts using metal organic framework materials and method of preparation (ANL-IN-09-069)

    A method of preparing a nitrogen containing electrode catalyst by converting a high surface area metal-organic framework (MOF) material free of platinum group metals that includes a transition metal, an organic ligand, and an organic solvent via a high temperature thermal treatment to form catalytic active sites in the MOF. At least a portion of the contained organic solvent may be replaced with a nitrogen containing organic solvent or an organometallic compound or a transition metal salt to enhance catalytic performance. The electrode catalysts may be used in various electrochemical systems, including a proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

     

  • Water Footprint

    Water sustainability associated with the production of biofuel and petroleum oil and generation of electricity
  • A low-cost process that accelerates biological methane production rates at least fivefold
    Intellectual Property Available to License

    US Patent 8,247,009
    • Enhanced Renewable Methane Production System Benefits Wastewater Treatment Plants, Farms, and Landfills (ANL-IN-05-079)

    The Invention 

    Process schematic of Argonne’s Enhanced Renewable Methane Production System.

    Argonne’s Enhanced Renewable Methane Production System provides a low-cost process that accelerates biological methane production rates at least fivefold. The innovative system addresses one of the largest barriers to expanding the use of renewable methane — the naturally slow rate of production. To overcome this challenge, Argonne researchers examined the natural biology of methane production, the natural processes for carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration, and the environmental quality of the water found in coal bed methane wells. Their research led to the novel, low-cost treatment that enhances the heating value of biogas, delivering a gas that is close to pipeline quality. This system offers an improved means of producing biological methane at wastewater treatment plants, farms, and landfills. 

    Argonne’s system also simultaneously sequesters the CO2 produced during the process by reacting with magnesium and calcium silicate rocks. This innovation links the biological conversion (renewable carbon source being converted to methane and carbon dioxide) to a geochemical mechanism (producing solid carbonate-enriched minerals), thus eliminating CO2 emissions. 

    Argonne’s Enhanced Renewable Methane Production System can accelerate biological methane production rates at least fivefold.

    Benefits 

    • Produces near-pipeline-quality methane 
    • Enables simultaneous carbon dioxide sequestration

    Applications and Industries

    • Wastewater treatment plants 
    • Recovery of methane from manure and agricultural processing 
    • Recovery of methane from food processing wastes 
    • Methane from other carbonaceous feedstock. 

    Developmental Stage 

    Reduction to practice testing is complete. Researchers are now working on prototype-scale testing with field testing to follow.