Virginia Tech awarded $1.3 million for natural gas conversion research

Yahoo

08-04-2025

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) – Virginia Tech has received a 1.3 million grant to lead natural gas conversion research in Southwest Virginia from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
This initiative is to look into revolutionizing the energy and hydrogen production industries.
'We are utilizing natural gas, a relatively cleaner fossil fuel compared to oil, and converting it into hydrogen, which not only is a clean energy carrier but is also used as feedstock for manufacturing in many large-scale industrial processes,' said Sheima Khatib, associate professor of chemical engineering and one of the researchers leading the project.
The project goals include:
Establish a leading hydrogen innovation hub in Virginia, advancing turquoise hydrogen production through catalytic methane decomposition
Promote regional partnerships to support economic development, diversify the economic base, and enhance entrepreneurial activities
Develop a world-class, highly skilled workforce that is well educated and trained for the chemical manufacturing job market
Assist communities in preserving, developing, and promoting natural and cultural assets to boost local economies
Strengthen local and regional leadership to enhance collaborative and community-based skills, improving quality of life in the Appalachian region of Virginia
'While there are alternative methods used currently in industry to produce hydrogen, they often result in hydrogen mixed with other gases, including carbon dioxide, requiring expensive and energy intensive separation processes,' said Khatib. 'Our method eliminates this issue, representing a major advancement in producing clean hydrogen from an existing abundant resource.'
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Hydrogen plays a key role fuel cells production, generating electricity with only water as a byproduct, which is ideal for power generation and transportation. Hydrogen also plays a role in industrial processes, including ammonia synthesis for fertilizers, petroleum refining, and methanol production
'This project will contribute to economic growth, community engagement, the adoption of sustainable energy solutions, and bolster both regional and national security,' Khatib said.
Khatib has teamed up with academic and industrial partners to achieve the following goals:
Amy Price Azano, professor of rural education and adolescent literacy and director of the Center for Rural Education at Virginia Tech
Wilson Shafer, assistant professor of chemistry at Asbury University
Robert Hart, R&D leader, Shepherd Chemical Company
'Carbon doesn't belong in the atmosphere. It belongs in high-value, durable materials that bring value to peoples' lives,' Hart said. 'Catalytic methane decomposition to make hydrogen and carbon needed a breakthrough to achieve this goal, and Professor Khatib's team has found one that looks like it could be successful. We are excited to partner on this project to see if this technology can be scaled up into a successful business with real societal impact.'
'This grant provides a meaningful opportunity to support teachers as they develop place-based lessons designed to strengthen student learning and rural sustainability,' Azano said. 'Every place is made stronger when rural places thrive.'
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