Chitosan microsphere-supported catalysts: design, synthesis and optimization for ethylene polymerization.

Polyolefins are the main building blocks for consumer products. Here, chitosan, a biopolymer that can be derived from abundant fishery waste, is shaped as a microspheroidal support using spray drying to facilitate ethylene polymerization. Definitive screening design was used to optimize synthesis steps efficiently.

γ-Stearolactone ring-opening by zeolites for the production of branched saturated fatty acids.

C branched saturated fatty acids (BSFA) are used as ingredients in cosmetics and lubricants and are produced the hydrogenation of C branched unsaturated fatty acids (BUFA). Industrial-grade C BUFA contain the odorous by-product γ-stearolactone (GSL), which must be removed by acid-catalysed ring-opening of GSL into oleic acid. Zeolites such as Y and beta can facilitate the ring-opening, but due to the dimensions of GSL the activity is expected to be limited by diffusion into the micropores.

Impact of Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy in Catalysis.

Catalysis stands as an indispensable cornerstone of modern society, underpinning the production of over 80% of manufactured goods and driving over 90% of industrial chemical processes. As the demand for more efficient and sustainable processes grows, better catalysts are needed. Understanding the working principles of catalysts is key, and over the last 50 years, surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) has become essential.

Da Vinci Project: Educating Sustainability Change-Makers with Transdisciplinary Challenge-Based Learning and Design Thinking.

Sustainability transitions need professionals with specific skills and attitudes that students often do not develop in their regular chemistry education. To foster sustainability change-maker competencies, we suggest augmenting higher education curricula, e.g.