From waste to value: The right electrolytes can enhance glycerol oxidation

"Our research could help to convert biomass by-products into valuable chemicals more efficiently"

03-Jul-2024 - When biomass is converted into biodiesel, huge amounts of glycerol are produced as a by-product. So far, however, this by-product has been little utilised, even though it could be processed into more valuable chemicals through oxidation in photoelectrochemical reactors. The reason for this: low ...

Non-toxic plasticisers for use in elastomers and thermoplastics

Bio-based plasticizers from Central Germany

08-Dec-2023 - The Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS is working with partners to develop a marketable, completely bio-based and non-toxic plasticizer for use in elastomers and thermoplastics. Using rapeseed oil as a starting product, more sustainable solutions for tires and ...

Creating sustainable material from waste

Researchers report low-pressure method to convert industrially processed biomass into plastics, chemicals

25-Jan-2022 - It’s no secret that we need more sustainable materials if we hope to help the planet. Bio-derived materials are one potential option, but they must be economical if anyone is going to use them. For instance, a better bio-based milk jug would be great. However, if the milk sells for $20 per gallon ...

The biodegradable battery - an ecological miracle

New mini-capacitor consists of carbon, cellulose, glycerin and table salt

07-Jun-2021 - The number of data-transmitting microdevices, for instance in packaging and transport logistics, will increase sharply in the coming years. All these devices need energy, but the amount of batteries would have a major impact on the environment. Empa researchers have developed a biodegradable ...

Harnessing energy from algae

An enzyme that could help accelerate biofuel production

21-Aug-2018 - Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have honed in on an enzyme belonging to the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) family as a promising target for increasing biofuel production from the red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae. Algae are known to store up large amounts of oils called ...

Liquid shock absorbers

10-Nov-2017 - Remarkable liquid materials called colloids stiffen under impact. Researchers funded by the SNSF have studied the effect of powerful impacts such as those produced by firearms or micrometeorites. At first glance, colloids resemble homogeneous liquids such as milk or blood plasma. But in fact ...

Scientists getting warmer on mimicking anti-freeze in nature

23-May-2016 - Researchers from the University of Leeds have taken an important step forward in mimicking nature's prowess at protecting cells from deep-freeze conditions. The new research reveals how glycerol prevents ice crystals from forming in water as the solution is cooled to -35°C, with important ...

BASF and Oleon celebrate grand opening of propylene glycol production plant

02-Jul-2012 - The oleochemical company Oleon has started up a new manufacturing plant for producing bio propylene glycol (PG) from glycerin in Ertvelde, Belgium. The plant is the first of its type worldwide, leveraging a highly sustainable production process developed and licensed by BASF and jointly realized ...

Univar’s South Kirkby food production site first to receive ISO 22000 certification

17-Nov-2009 - Univar announced that it has been awarded the ISO 22000 certification for its South Kirkby food production site in the UK. This is the first Univar production site to receive this recognition. The Univar South Kirkby site produces citric acid solutions which are used predominantly in the soft ...

The Linde Group develops sustainable hydrogen production process

24-Apr-2009 - The technology group The Linde Group is developing an process for the sustainable production of hydrogen from biogenic raw materials. Hydromotive GmbH, a subsidiary of The Linde Group, is to build a demonstration plant from mid-2009 at the chemical site in Leuna, Germany, which will produce ...