ABSTRACT
Due to nite natural reserves, worldwide production of crude oil is expected to peak sometime in the near future, followed by a steady decline [1]. Liquid fuel shortage can be mitigated by utilizing conversion technologies (e.g., liqueed coal, liqueed natural gas) and alternative sources (e.g., shale oil, oil sands, gas hydrates). However, reliance on these fossil resources may be short-lived. In fact, natural gas production has declined in the past few years, resulting in sustained high prices [1].
