Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas and a major contributor to climate change, with dairy farming being a significant source of emissions. The CANMILK project addresses this challenge by combining advanced materials with innovative chemical processes to reduce methane emissions by more than 90%, helping the dairy sector lower its environmental impact. Within the CANMILK project, Johnson Matthey (JM) is leading the development of advanced materials and catalytic solutions.
How the CANMILK Approach Works
The CANMILK project focuses on combining two complementary technologies: a) Adsorption, which temporarily traps methane molecules on solid materials, b) Plasma‑assisted catalysis, which helps break down methane into less harmful substances. The idea is to first collect methane from the air and then convert it safely and efficiently using specially designed catalysts.
Developing the Right Adsorbent Materials
A key contribution from JM within CANMILK is the identification and development of effective methane adsorbent materials. Based on an extensive literature review and laboratory testing, chabazite zeolite was selected as the most promising candidate. Zeolites are microporous materials that can trap gas molecules within their pore structure. However, experimental results showed that methane adsorption remains challenging at the very low concentrations typically encountered in dairy barns, implying that large adsorbent volumes would be required for significant enrichment.
Despite this limitation, JM achieved a major milestone by developing a safe and scalable synthesis route for chabazite zeolite that avoids the use of hazardous organic chemicals. This advance is critical for industrial implementation, where safety and reliability are essential. The successful synthesis and validation of the material enabled the inclusion of an adsorption step in the CANMILK proof‑of‑concept system.
Finding the Most Effective Catalysts
Alongside adsorption, JM tested a wide range of catalytic materials to identify those most effective at breaking down methane. Laboratory studies confirmed that palladium‑based catalysts, are most efficient for methane oxidation. These findings are consistent with earlier work by JM on methane abatement in mine ventilation air systems (Hinde et al., Johnson Matthey Technology Review, 2016).
For that reason, a palladium‑based catalyst was then applied to a honeycomb‑shaped support structure. This design increases the surface area available for reactions, improving efficiency while keeping pressure drop low. The catalyst is currently being tested in combination with microwave plasma, forming the core of the CANMILK proof‑of‑concept technology.
Why This Matters
Methane mitigation is one of the most effective short‑term strategies for slowing climate change. Through the development of scalable adsorbents and plasma‑compatible catalyst systems, CANMILK provides a technological pathway for reducing methane emissions from dairy farming without disrupting routine operations. By combining innovative material design with advanced plasma technology, CANMILK demonstrates how science and industry can work together to tackle one of the most urgent environmental challenges.