Materials & Systems Research, Inc. (MSRI)

Materials & Systems Research, Inc. (MSRI) is developing an intermediate-temperature fuel cell capable of electrochemically converting natural gas into electricity or liquid fuel in a single step. Existing solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) convert the chemical energy of hydrocarbons—such as hydrogen or methane—into electricity at higher efficiencies than traditional power generators, but are expensive to manufacture and operate at extremely high temperatures, introducing durability and cost concerns over time. Existing processes for converting methane to liquid transportation fuels are also capital intensive. MSRI’s technology would convert natural gas into liquid fuel using efficient catalysts and a cost-effective fabrication process that can be readily scaled up for mass production. MSRI’s technology will provide low-cost power or liquid fuel while operating in a temperature range of 400-500ºC, enabling better durability than today’s high-temperature fuel cells.

If successful, MSRI’s fuel cell will provide affordable generation of power or small, modular production of methanol directly from natural gas at an intermediate temperature of 400-500ºC.