A green approach to biogas purificationwith nanomaterials

The renewable energy target set out by the EU Energy Directive requires, by 2020, 20% of EU electricity generation through biogas plants. Energy generation involves combustion in reciprocating engines or gas turbines. Contamination of the gas stream with volatile silicon compounds, in the form of siloxanes, silanes and silanols, deposits silica during combustion, which limits the efficiency and engine life times and will eventually cause unit failure. It is the aim of this project, with a joint effort between industry and academics, to develop high efficient photocatalytic method using nanostructured materials to purify the biogas with low energy consumption. The success of this project will reduce the energy and chemical consumption the purification process which will help to reshape the green energy industry and become much economical viable process.