August 1, 2017 - A simplified catalyst production process developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory could double the output of high-value chemicals used in making materials found in soda bottles and tires. Scientists found that single gallium cations are the key to increasing production of benzene, toluene and xylenes, or BTX, commodity chemicals commonly used to make plastics and rubber. “Most BTX are produced from fossil fuel, which is energy intensive,” said ORNL’s Zhenglong Li, co-author of the study published in Green Chemistry. “Our process creates a greener pathway that doubles BTX production from renewable ethanol by introducing gallium into zeolite catalysts.” The team’s new catalyst production method works without water and reduces costs.
