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Global Bioenergies produces bio-sourced propylene at laboratory level
F O C US Cornell University researchers develop polypropylene carbonate, an economical and sustainable polymer A formulation of polypropylene carbonate, a sustainable, low-cost polymer developed by researchers from Cornell University, US, is now being sold by Jowat, a German supplier of industrial adhesives, for use in polyurethane hot-melt adhesives applications. The polymer was further developed by the Cornell spinoff company Novomer. The key to polymerization is a catalyst that selectively alternates the epoxide with carbon dioxide molecules, resulting in plastics that are up to 50% carbon dioxide. Original Source: Cornell University, 2014. Found on SpecialChem Plastics and Elastomers Formulation, 10 Dec 2014 (Website: http://www.specialchem4polymers.com)
HyperSolar achieves major breakthrough in splitting water into renewable hydrogen fuel On 9 Dec 2014, HyperSolar Inc, the developer of a breakthrough technology to produce renewable hydrogen using sunlight and any source of water, announced that it had reached 1.25 volts (V), an important milestone achievement in its effort to split water molecules for the production of renewable hydrogen fuel. HyperSolar’s research is centred on developing a low-cost and submersible hydrogen production particle that can split water molecules under the sun, emulating the core functions of photosynthesis. Each particle is a complete hydrogen generator that contains a novel high voltage solar cell bonded to chemical catalysts by a proprietary encapsulation coating. The theoretical minimum voltage needed to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen is 1.23 V. However, in real world systems, 1.5 V or more is generally needed because of the low reaction kinetics. So far, other researchers have only been able to achieve this voltage level through the use of either inefficient materials, such as titanium oxide, or very expensive semiconductors, such as gallium arsenide. Also, how to overcome the corrosive degradation of these ‘artificial photosynthesis’
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systems remains a monumental challenge, and has thus far eluded commercialization. HyperSolar has previously solved the degradation problem through the use of its patentpending protective coating, which has demonstrated long stability. Now, with 1.25 V of water splitting voltage through an inexpensive but efficient solar absorber, the company has achieved something that has never been done in a real-world environment. Future development efforts will focus on increasing the currents and photovoltages beyond 1.5 V. Original Source: HyperSolar Inc, 2014. Found on Marketwired, 9 Dec 2014 (Website: http://marketwired.com)
Efficient catalytic system for the photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to hydrocarbons Scientists from Japan’s National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) and China’s TU-NIMS Joint Research Centre at Tianjin University introduced a new and more efficient photocatalytic system that converts carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons. The researchers combined the catalysts strontium titanate (STO) and titanium dioxide to make a heteromaterial made of coaxially aligned catalyst nanotubes. Goldcopper alloy was loaded in each nanotube to act as co-catalyst, and hydrazine hydrate provided hydrogen into the system. The novel system allows for the conversion of carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and methane, and other hydrocarbons. A gold-to-copper ratio of 3:1 gave the most amount of hydrocarbon output. Original Source: Chemical Weekly, 16 Dec 2014, 174 (Website: http://www.chemicalweekly.com) © Sevak Publications & Chemical Weekly Database P Ltd 2014
Ruthenium catalyst opens up benign route to substituted amines A research team from the A*STAR Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences has developed a ruthenium catalyst that makes the production of substituted amines greener and more efficient. According to the researchers, the ruthenium catalyst combined with a wide range of amines and alcohols generated the
best yield of substituted amines. The catalyst does not dissolve in solution and is recyclable over five reactions while maintaining its activity. The team used the catalyst to produce the Parkinson’s disease drug piribedil in nearly 100% yield. The catalyst is also capable of producing products in 6070% yields for 21 hours without much loss in ruthenium. Original Source: Chemical Weekly, 16 Dec 2014, 177 (Website: http://www.chemicalweekly.com) © Sevak Publications & Chemical Weekly Database P Ltd 2014
Global Bioenergies produces biosourced propylene at laboratory level After successful experimental testing on a metabolic means of converting glucose into propylene at end 2012, Global Bioenergies announced the creation of a prototype strain of microorganisms which allowed it to use the process at the laboratory scale. According to the company, this is the first time direct bioproduction of propylene has been described. At present, propylene is exclusively made from fossil fuel resources. The development of Global Bioenergies’ process was difficult because there was no known microorganism capable of the conversion by metabolic means. The company therefore had to design an artificial method and develop enzymes with new properties which were then integrated into a microorganism. Thomas Buhl (director of Global Bioenergies’ Business Development) commented that given the reduction in oil cracking capacities, the development of alternative solutions for making light olefins (particularly propylene) has become very necessary. By developing its process for making biopropylene, the company is contributing to a better and sustainable industry which respects the environment. According to Global Bioenergies, 80 M+ tonnes/y propylene is produced and the market is worth $100 bn+ (making it the second largest in the petrochemicals sector after ethylene). Propylene is used in making a range of plastics (especially polypropylene). After isobutene in 2010 and butadiene earlier in 2014, Global Bioenergies has now added a new intermediate to FEBRUARY 2015
F O C U S its portfolio. The company is aiming to develop processes which it can license to third parties. Original Source: Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 15 Dec 2014, (700) (Website: http://www.industrie.com/chimie/) (in French) © ETAI Information 2014
Chevron Phillips Chemical to build polyethylene pilot plant at its research centre in Bartlesville, OK Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP is pleased to announce plans to build a state-of-the-art polyethylene pilot plant at its research and technology facility in Bartlesville, OK. The new pilot plant will incorporate Chevron Phillips Chemical’s proprietary MarTECH loop slurry process for polyethylene production and MarTECH ADL (advanced dual loop) technology, a proprietary dual loop process enabling production of bimodal polyethylene resins for advanced applications. The premier testing site will provide leading-edge polyethylene research, including new catalyst and polymer development, as well as polymer performance enhancements. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2015. All MarTECH technology delivers reliable, high-reactor throughput while minimizing capital expense, operating costs and environmental impact, and it is utilized by numerous commercial reactor facilities worldwide. Completion of the new pilot plant is expected in 2017. Original Source: Chevron Philips Chemical Company, 18 Dec 2014 (Website: http://cpchem.com) © Chevron Philips Chemical Company 2014
UOP’s Oleflex process technology helps meet the supply shortage of propylene in Russia UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, announced recently that UOP C3 Oleflex process technology started up and has been successfully operating at the propylene facility of OOO Tobolsk-Polymer, a subsidiary of SIBUR Holding JSC, in Tobolsk, Tymen, Russia. The facility is meeting design capacity of 510,000 tonnes/y of propylene and is the largest production unit in the world to use Oleflex catalytic dehydrogenation technology to convert propane to FEBRUARY 2015
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propylene. The process uses a fully recyclable platinum alumina-based catalyst system. Based on catalytic dehydrogenation, the process allows reduction of production costs, environmental impact and energy and water consumption compared with other manufacturing methods. Original Source: Honeywell, 2014. Found on SpecialChem Plastics and Elastomers Formulation, 29 Dec 2014 (Website: http://www.specialchem4polymers.com). Original Source: Chemical Weekly, 30 Dec 2014, 174 (Website: http://www.chemicalweekly.com) © Sevak Publications & Chemical Weekly Database P Ltd 2014
New conversion process turns lignin into lucrative chemical products Scientists from Purdue University’s Center for Direct Catalytic Conversion of Biomass to Biofuels have discovered a catalytic method for the conversion of lignin into valuable chemical commodities. The researchers used a recyclable catalyst and a solvent to degrade lignin molecules of untreated chipped and milled wood under extreme pressure and temperature. The method generates lignin-free cellulose and a liquid stream that contains two phenols. These can be used to produce perfumes and flavourings. Another catalyst was developed by the team to treat the phenol products and produce high-octane hydrocarbon fuel suitable for use as drop-in gasoline. The generated fuel has a research octane rating of over 100 compared with the octane rating in the average gas used in current vehicles in the range of 80s. Original Source: Chemical Weekly, 30 Dec 2014, 179180 (Website: http://www.chemicalweekly.com) © Sevak Publications & Chemical Weekly Database P Ltd 2014
Crown ethers flatten in graphene for strong, specific binding Researchers from the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a method to raise the selectivity and binding strength of crown ethers by integrating them within a strong graphene framework. The study is based on producing holes on the graphene sheet that act as a lock and key for small molecules, improving its selectivity to crown ethers. The new
form of graphene crown ethers in flattened, rigid state also addresses the challenge in crown ethers being so flexible that they twist and untwist each second in a solution. This development may innovate sensors, nuclear waste cleanup, chemical separations, purification and recycling of rare-earth elements, biotechnology, energy production in durable lithiumion batteries, water purification, metal extraction, catalysis, data storage and medicine. Original Source: Chemical Weekly, 30 Dec 2014, 177179 (Website: http://www.chemicalweekly.com) © Sevak Publications & Chemical Weekly Database P Ltd 2014
PATENTS Aeolus files international patent application for new patent on AEOL 10150 On 3 Dec 2014, Aeolus Pharmaceuticals Inc, a biotechnology company developing compounds to protect against radiological and chemical threats with significant funding from the US Government, announced that it has filed an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) with the US Receiving Office (US/RO) thereby preserving the right to seek patent protection in all PCT contracting countries for new patents covering new inventions resulting from research and development on its lead compound, broad-spectrum catalytic antioxidant AEOL 10150. Patents resulting from this application, if granted, would cover novel synthesis routes, crystal forms and pharmaceutical compositions of AEOL-10150 and related porphyrin compounds. The intellectual property underlying this new patent filing is a direct result of work performed under Aeolus’ contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). The five year, $118 M, cost-plus contract, awarded in Feb 2011, includes funding for the development of largescale, Good Manufacturing Practice production capacity for AEOL 10150. Original Source: Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, 2014. Found on Marketwired, 3 Dec 2014 (Website: http://marketwired.com)
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HyperSolar achieves major breakthrough in splitting water into renewable hydrogen fuel On 9 Dec 2014, HyperSolar Inc, the developer of a breakthrough technology to produce renewable hydrogen using sunlight and any source of water, announced that it had reached 1.25 volts (V), an important milestone achievement in its effort to split water molecules for the production of renewable hydrogen fuel. HyperSolar’s research is centred on developing a low-cost and submersible hydrogen production particle that can split water molecules under the sun, emulating the core functions of photosynthesis. Each particle is a complete hydrogen generator that contains a novel high voltage solar cell bonded to chemical catalysts by a proprietary encapsulation coating. The theoretical minimum voltage needed to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen is 1.23 V. However, in real world systems, 1.5 V or more is generally needed because of the low reaction kinetics. So far, other researchers have only been able to achieve this voltage level through the use of either inefficient materials, such as titanium oxide, or very expensive semiconductors, such as gallium arsenide. Also, how to overcome the corrosive degradation of these ‘artificial photosynthesis’
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systems remains a monumental challenge, and has thus far eluded commercialization. HyperSolar has previously solved the degradation problem through the use of its patentpending protective coating, which has demonstrated long stability. Now, with 1.25 V of water splitting voltage through an inexpensive but efficient solar absorber, the company has achieved something that has never been done in a real-world environment. Future development efforts will focus on increasing the currents and photovoltages beyond 1.5 V. Original Source: HyperSolar Inc, 2014. Found on Marketwired, 9 Dec 2014 (Website: http://marketwired.com)
Efficient catalytic system for the photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to hydrocarbons Scientists from Japan’s National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) and China’s TU-NIMS Joint Research Centre at Tianjin University introduced a new and more efficient photocatalytic system that converts carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons. The researchers combined the catalysts strontium titanate (STO) and titanium dioxide to make a heteromaterial made of coaxially aligned catalyst nanotubes. Goldcopper alloy was loaded in each nanotube to act as co-catalyst, and hydrazine hydrate provided hydrogen into the system. The novel system allows for the conversion of carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and methane, and other hydrocarbons. A gold-to-copper ratio of 3:1 gave the most amount of hydrocarbon output. Original Source: Chemical Weekly, 16 Dec 2014, 174 (Website: http://www.chemicalweekly.com) © Sevak Publications & Chemical Weekly Database P Ltd 2014
Ruthenium catalyst opens up benign route to substituted amines A research team from the A*STAR Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences has developed a ruthenium catalyst that makes the production of substituted amines greener and more efficient. According to the researchers, the ruthenium catalyst combined with a wide range of amines and alcohols generated the
best yield of substituted amines. The catalyst does not dissolve in solution and is recyclable over five reactions while maintaining its activity. The team used the catalyst to produce the Parkinson’s disease drug piribedil in nearly 100% yield. The catalyst is also capable of producing products in 6070% yields for 21 hours without much loss in ruthenium. Original Source: Chemical Weekly, 16 Dec 2014, 177 (Website: http://www.chemicalweekly.com) © Sevak Publications & Chemical Weekly Database P Ltd 2014
Global Bioenergies produces biosourced propylene at laboratory level After successful experimental testing on a metabolic means of converting glucose into propylene at end 2012, Global Bioenergies announced the creation of a prototype strain of microorganisms which allowed it to use the process at the laboratory scale. According to the company, this is the first time direct bioproduction of propylene has been described. At present, propylene is exclusively made from fossil fuel resources. The development of Global Bioenergies’ process was difficult because there was no known microorganism capable of the conversion by metabolic means. The company therefore had to design an artificial method and develop enzymes with new properties which were then integrated into a microorganism. Thomas Buhl (director of Global Bioenergies’ Business Development) commented that given the reduction in oil cracking capacities, the development of alternative solutions for making light olefins (particularly propylene) has become very necessary. By developing its process for making biopropylene, the company is contributing to a better and sustainable industry which respects the environment. According to Global Bioenergies, 80 M+ tonnes/y propylene is produced and the market is worth $100 bn+ (making it the second largest in the petrochemicals sector after ethylene). Propylene is used in making a range of plastics (especially polypropylene). After isobutene in 2010 and butadiene earlier in 2014, Global Bioenergies has now added a new intermediate to FEBRUARY 2015
F O C U S its portfolio. The company is aiming to develop processes which it can license to third parties. Original Source: Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 15 Dec 2014, (700) (Website: http://www.industrie.com/chimie/) (in French) © ETAI Information 2014
Chevron Phillips Chemical to build polyethylene pilot plant at its research centre in Bartlesville, OK Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP is pleased to announce plans to build a state-of-the-art polyethylene pilot plant at its research and technology facility in Bartlesville, OK. The new pilot plant will incorporate Chevron Phillips Chemical’s proprietary MarTECH loop slurry process for polyethylene production and MarTECH ADL (advanced dual loop) technology, a proprietary dual loop process enabling production of bimodal polyethylene resins for advanced applications. The premier testing site will provide leading-edge polyethylene research, including new catalyst and polymer development, as well as polymer performance enhancements. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2015. All MarTECH technology delivers reliable, high-reactor throughput while minimizing capital expense, operating costs and environmental impact, and it is utilized by numerous commercial reactor facilities worldwide. Completion of the new pilot plant is expected in 2017. Original Source: Chevron Philips Chemical Company, 18 Dec 2014 (Website: http://cpchem.com) © Chevron Philips Chemical Company 2014
UOP’s Oleflex process technology helps meet the supply shortage of propylene in Russia UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, announced recently that UOP C3 Oleflex process technology started up and has been successfully operating at the propylene facility of OOO Tobolsk-Polymer, a subsidiary of SIBUR Holding JSC, in Tobolsk, Tymen, Russia. The facility is meeting design capacity of 510,000 tonnes/y of propylene and is the largest production unit in the world to use Oleflex catalytic dehydrogenation technology to convert propane to FEBRUARY 2015
O N
C ATA LY S T S
propylene. The process uses a fully recyclable platinum alumina-based catalyst system. Based on catalytic dehydrogenation, the process allows reduction of production costs, environmental impact and energy and water consumption compared with other manufacturing methods. Original Source: Honeywell, 2014. Found on SpecialChem Plastics and Elastomers Formulation, 29 Dec 2014 (Website: http://www.specialchem4polymers.com). Original Source: Chemical Weekly, 30 Dec 2014, 174 (Website: http://www.chemicalweekly.com) © Sevak Publications & Chemical Weekly Database P Ltd 2014
New conversion process turns lignin into lucrative chemical products Scientists from Purdue University’s Center for Direct Catalytic Conversion of Biomass to Biofuels have discovered a catalytic method for the conversion of lignin into valuable chemical commodities. The researchers used a recyclable catalyst and a solvent to degrade lignin molecules of untreated chipped and milled wood under extreme pressure and temperature. The method generates lignin-free cellulose and a liquid stream that contains two phenols. These can be used to produce perfumes and flavourings. Another catalyst was developed by the team to treat the phenol products and produce high-octane hydrocarbon fuel suitable for use as drop-in gasoline. The generated fuel has a research octane rating of over 100 compared with the octane rating in the average gas used in current vehicles in the range of 80s. Original Source: Chemical Weekly, 30 Dec 2014, 179180 (Website: http://www.chemicalweekly.com) © Sevak Publications & Chemical Weekly Database P Ltd 2014
Crown ethers flatten in graphene for strong, specific binding Researchers from the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a method to raise the selectivity and binding strength of crown ethers by integrating them within a strong graphene framework. The study is based on producing holes on the graphene sheet that act as a lock and key for small molecules, improving its selectivity to crown ethers. The new
form of graphene crown ethers in flattened, rigid state also addresses the challenge in crown ethers being so flexible that they twist and untwist each second in a solution. This development may innovate sensors, nuclear waste cleanup, chemical separations, purification and recycling of rare-earth elements, biotechnology, energy production in durable lithiumion batteries, water purification, metal extraction, catalysis, data storage and medicine. Original Source: Chemical Weekly, 30 Dec 2014, 177179 (Website: http://www.chemicalweekly.com) © Sevak Publications & Chemical Weekly Database P Ltd 2014
PATENTS Aeolus files international patent application for new patent on AEOL 10150 On 3 Dec 2014, Aeolus Pharmaceuticals Inc, a biotechnology company developing compounds to protect against radiological and chemical threats with significant funding from the US Government, announced that it has filed an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) with the US Receiving Office (US/RO) thereby preserving the right to seek patent protection in all PCT contracting countries for new patents covering new inventions resulting from research and development on its lead compound, broad-spectrum catalytic antioxidant AEOL 10150. Patents resulting from this application, if granted, would cover novel synthesis routes, crystal forms and pharmaceutical compositions of AEOL-10150 and related porphyrin compounds. The intellectual property underlying this new patent filing is a direct result of work performed under Aeolus’ contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). The five year, $118 M, cost-plus contract, awarded in Feb 2011, includes funding for the development of largescale, Good Manufacturing Practice production capacity for AEOL 10150. Original Source: Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, 2014. Found on Marketwired, 3 Dec 2014 (Website: http://marketwired.com)
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