CATALYX NANOTECH, INC.,
is teaming with Dudek to pursue low-cost, "green" high-grade graphite
and hydrogen production with no by-products using a patented technology. Catalyx
Nanotech, a privately funded company focused on nanotechnology applications,
and Dudek, a California-focused environmental and engineering consulting firm,
are seeking multiple landfills in Southern California on which to site production
facilities. Catalyx Nanotech anticipates commencing production in the first
plant in late 2009.
Catalyx Nanotech intends to install plants at landfills to convert the produced
methane gas into two useful materials: elemental graphitic carbon, which will
be transformed into nanomaterials, and hydrogen, a valuable fuel source. Catalyx
Nanotech will be creating a three-pronged decrease in greenhouse gases (GHG)
by eliminating the greenhouse gases resulting from 1) landfills burning off
their methane and 2) those typically generated during hydrogen production, as
well as 3) the reduction in greenhouse gases realized when hydrogen replaces
other hydrocarbons as a fuel source.
Catalyx Nanotech currently employs a patented technology to produce Platelet
Graphite Nanofibers (PGNF) from natural gas at a much lower cost than competitors.
The first stage of the production process is the cracking of methane to high-grade
graphite and pure hydrogen. The company has made a conscious decision to use
sequestered carbon (as graphite) from waste sources as feedstock, and is taking
the next step towards this end goal.
Dudek has been analyzing the technology for its environmental impacts, including
its impact on greenhouse gas reduction efforts by all landfills. In addition,
Dudek will help identify appropriate landfill candidates, perform engineering
for the project and secure all permits.
"Catalyx Nanotech's solution has the potential to offer cost and environmental
benefits to all parties involved, particularly landfills and anaerobic digester
plants that are struggling to generate sufficient revenues from electricity
generators for the methane content in their biogas," said Dudek Senior
Project Manager Chris Trees. "By using landfill methane at its source,
and not requiring internal combustion engines or turbines to make beneficial
use of the methane, you not only eliminate NOx emissions, but CO2 emissions
as well. We look forward to working with Catalyx Nanotech and helping them identify
appropriate partners for producing green energy with higher margins than competing
technologies."
Catalyx Nanotech's process uses a patented catalyst to sequester the carbon
from the landfill methane as high purity graphite, a valuable product used in
aerospace, automobiles, batteries, and a myriad of other applications. The graphite
is then converted to Platelet Graphite Nanofibers by further processing.
As an added benefit, by utilizing landfill methane, Catalyx Nanotech expects
to offer low-cost, green hydrogen near urban areas to help minimize the logistical
hurdles for a hydrogen economy. Besides offering several local hydrogen production
facilities in every urban area, the patented process enhances the value of the
hydrogen effort by eliminating the carbon footprint associated with conventional
hydrogen production from fossil fuels.
By producing two marketable products from landfill methane, Catalyx Nanotech
expects to be able to compensate the landfill operators at a better rate.
"Dudek has an outstanding reputation as a leading consultant on California
natural resource management and infrastructure development," said Mustafa
Jangbarwala, V.P. Business Development at Catalyx Nanotech, Inc. "We're
very pleased to be working with them to help provide carbon sequestration and
alternative fuel solutions to their customers."
Jangbarwala said Catalyx Nanotech, expects to establish its first sites in
Southern California and then expand to other regions.
Posted January 15th, 2009
