University of Surrey researchers develop new catalysts for biochemicals and fuels

March 25, 2019 |

In the UK, as the world is looking to combat the catastrophic effects of climate change, many hope that bio-based chemicals and fuels will help in the necessary move away from fossil fuels. The conversion of Acetone, Ethanol and Butanol (ABE) produced from sugar fermentation, into valuable chemicals through condensation reactions is seen as a promising way of producing hydrocarbons that can be used to power future cars and within the energy industry.

The complexity of these reactions requires highly active and selective catalysts – many of which are made from expensive noble metals such as gold, silver and platinum.

The University of Surrey’s new catalysts and the process development associated with them are not only cheaper than their market standard, but are also more efficient – with experts believing they could be the spark needed to create the next generations of bio-refineries.

Category: Research

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