CBS News
Cambridge, England — Cutting methane emissions is critical to combating climate change, yet many major industries struggle to reduce their output of this harmful greenhouse gas. A British firm claims it has found a solution: Transform methane into a different substance.
Methane poses a significant environmental threat. According to climate scientists, this invisible gas accelerates atmospheric warming 84 times faster than carbon dioxide. It escapes into the atmosphere from organic material like food waste decomposing in landfills, sewage treatment plants, and the digestive systems of cattle.
Levidian, a climate technology company based in Cambridge, England, aims to address this issue by reimagining methane.
“The real innovation takes place inside this machine,” stated CEO John Hartley as he guided CBS News through Levidian’s patented LOOP system, characterized by its large metal hopper resembling a balloon.
This technology employs microwave energy and a specialized nozzle system to deconstruct methane molecules into hydrogen and carbon, effectively capturing both elements.
Hydrogen is in increasing demand due to its potential to power factories, trucks, ships, and various machinery. Levidian emphasizes that it is a clean fuel—when combusted, it generates heat and energy, with water vapor as the sole emission, leaving no carbon dioxide behind.
The carbon extracted from the decomposed methane settles in the hopper as a solid known as graphene, a material that has intrigued scientists for just around two decades and is often celebrated as the strongest material in existence.
Dr. Ellie Galanis, leading commercial development at Levidian, proudly displayed a sample of graphene harvested from the LOOP hopper during a visit to their facility.
“This is an incredibly thrilling time for us in the graphene field,” remarked the self-identified “graphene geek,” shaking a container filled with a black, powdery substance. “It’s simply amazing.”
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Galanis and her colleagues are actively exploring various applications for the graphene produced by Levidian, aiming to enhance the durability of common products.
“Incorporating graphene into tire treads can enhance their strength, longevity, and fuel efficiency,” she explained regarding one potential use.
The team has also experimented with adding graphene to concrete.
“Regular concrete can be prone to crumbling, but when enriched with graphene, it’s significantly sturdier,” she elaborated.
This exceptionally strong yet flexible material even has potential applications in the production of medical gloves.
“During the ‘snap test,’ surgeons assess whether a glove might tear, and that risk is greatly diminished when graphene is included—it greatly enhances their durability and puncture resistance,” she shared with CBS News.
Moreover, scientists highlight that graphene can extend battery life for electric vehicles and can be incorporated into plastics, allowing manufacturers to decrease petroleum-based materials in their bottles.
Discovered merely 20 years ago at the University of Manchester, Levidian envisions substantial growth for graphene in the future.
“When you drive your car, you can expect graphene-enhanced tires that last longer. The battery in an electric vehicle will enhance its range and charge efficiency, while the concrete in your buildings will be stronger and have a reduced carbon footprint,” she projected, adding that even “your clothing could potentially contain graphene for improved sustainability.”
According to Levidian, its LOOP system has now been introduced to the U.S., with Southwire, a Georgia-based cable manufacturer, implementing it to mitigate its carbon emissions.
