Thrunnel

Thrunnel is a research-driven technology initiative exploring how electrically generated hot electrons can enable new catalytic reactions. Its platform is designed to direct electron energy toward molecular bonds, helping electrons cross energy barriers and drive transformations that conventional catalytic methods may not readily achieve. The research focuses on converting hydrocarbon gases into hydrogen-rich liquid fuels and chemicals in a single step under ambient, near-ambient, or moderate conditions, with potential relevance to energy and chemical industries.

The Thrunnel reactor’s documented primary mode converts methane into methanol using methane, water, and oxygen. Researchers have also observed two additional modes: converting methanol and water into formic acid and hydrogen without oxygen, and producing ethanol through carbon–carbon coupling when oxygen and water are omitted. The latter modes remain under investigation, and their selectivity and performance require further validation. Thrunnel presents its work through research introductions and presentations, sharing developments in quantum tunneling, hot-electron catalysis, gas-to-liquid conversion, and energy storage.