The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 6

PROCESS NEWS
Frugal Method Adsorbs and Destroys PFAS
with Photocatalyst
Researchers at University of British Columbia (UBC) have
developed a dual-function system to remove and destroy
PFAS using a cost-effective, UV-activated photocatalyst
made form iron oxide and graphenic carbon. The system
combines an activated carbon filter to capture PFAS
molecules and a patented photocatalyst to degrade them,
achieving a 90% degradation of perfluorooctonic acid in just
3 hours. This stable and effective method holds promise for
municipal water systems and industrial PFAS cleanup and is
being commercialized by ReAct Materials. Source: Chemical
Engineering, 11/2024.
Dioxycle Makes Ethylene from Carbon
Emissions
Dioxycle, a Paris-based startup, aims to revolutionize
ethylene production by using waste carbon emissions as
feedstock, powered by renewable electricity. Its electrolyzer
converts carbon monoxide and water into ethylene and
oxygen, potentially reducing global CO₂ emissions by 800
million tons annually. This technology could decentralize
ethylene production and scale up in the $200B market,
with plans to begin industrial-scale production within a year.
Source: Chemical & Engineering News, 11/08/2024.
New Catalytic Strategies Boost Alkene
Synthesis
Two innovative catalytic strategies have advanced alkene
synthesis, addressing long-standing challenges in chemical
production. One approach, developed by researchers at
the National University of Singapore, uses a photocatalytic
conjugate addition to efficiently generate alkenes from
carboxylic acids, alcohols, and alkanes under mild conditions,
employing visible light to drive a radical addition followed by
fragmentation. The second method, pioneered at Eindhoven
University of Technology, enhances the Fischer-Tropsch
process by using phase-pure iron carbide catalysts, improving
carbon monoxide conversion efficiency, and minimizing
CO₂ byproducts, offering a more sustainable alternative to
traditional cobalt catalysts in syngas-to-alkene conversion.
Source: Chemistry World, 11/05/2024.
Lummus, Braskem to Decarbonize Brazil Site
with Electric Cracking Heater
Lummus Technology and Braskem have announced a
joint study to demonstrate Lummus' SRT-etm electric
cracking heater at one of Braskem's Brazilian sites, aiming to
decarbonize ethylene production by reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and enhancing energy efficiency, with the goal of
helping Braskem achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Source:
Process WorldWide, 10/22/2024.
CATALYST Review Author Gert-Jan Gruter
Receives Royal Decoration
On October 22nd 2024, Gert-Jan Gruter was awarded the title of Knight in the Order of
the Netherlands Lion. Gert-Jan Gruter received this Royal Decoration from the Minister
of Climate and Green Growth, Sophie Hermans, during the Official Opening Ceremony
of Avantium's FDCA Flagship Plant. This prestigious award recognizes his exceptional
contributions to sustainable chemistry and his commitment to innovation and societal
impact.
This royal commendation is one of the oldest and highest civil honours in the
Netherlands. King Willem I established the Order on 29 September, 1815. Candidates who
have made an exceptional contribution to society, especially in science, art, sports and
literature, are eligible for this honour.
Gert-Jan Gruter began his chemical career by studying Chemistry at the Vrije Universiteit
in Amsterdam. He has since developed groundbreaking innovations that contribute to
a more sustainable world. As CTO of Avantium and a distinguished professor at the
University of Amsterdam, he has played a leading role in the development of renewable and circular plastic materials. One
of his most notable achievements is the development of PEF (polyethylene furanoate), a plant-based and circular polyester
material that combines ecological benefits with excellent performance properties. His work focuses on creating materials
that are fully circular and cause less to no pollution. In addition to his scientific contributions, he collaborates with
behavioral scientists to explore the socio-psychological aspects of biobased materials.
Readers of The Catalyst Review will be familiar with Gert-Jan (G-J) Gruter, as he co-authored (with Frits Dautzenberg) the two-part
Special Feature article published in January and February 2023 entitled " End of Life Options for Plastics. " Beyond that, his work, and
that of Avantium, has been highlighted across numerous editions over the past 20+ years (since Avantium's founding). On behalf of
The Catalyst Group Resource and The Catalyst Review, we celebrate this acknowledgement of G-J's important work, as he has wellrepresented
catalytic science at the critical intersection of academia and industry. Cheers!
6
The Catalyst Review
November 2024

The Catalyst Review November 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Catalyst Review November 2024

The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 1
The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 2
The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 3
The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 4
The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 5
The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 6
The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 7
The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 8
The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 9
The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 10
The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 11
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The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 14
The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 15
The Catalyst Review November 2024 - 16
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