Dr. Zhen Wang, an assistant professor of biological sciences at the University at Buffalo (SUNY), co-authored a research paper titled “A dual cellular-heterogeneous catalyst strategy for the production of olefins from glucose.”

Dr. Zhen Wang, an assistant professor of biological sciences at the University at Buffalo (SUNY), co-authored a research paper titled “A dual cellular-heterogeneous catalyst strategy for the production of olefins from glucose.”

Good question

“Can we fuel cars with sugar in the future, Dr. Wang?”

The key to this are olefins— gasoline components that are, among other things, precursors for polymers, plastics, and lubricants. Until now, olefins have been derived almost exclusively from crude oil, but using new technology we are making them from glucose, which is produced naturally during photosynthesis. In a twostage process, we first alter E. coli enterobacteria, which live in the large intestines of humans and many animals, so that they convert glucose into 3-hydroxyoctanoic acid and decanoic acid. In step two, the 3-hydroxyoctanoic acids are converted into olefins by means of heterogeneous catalysis. The goal is now to adapt the method so that we can also use it to produce alkanes, the main component of gasoline.

Photo: Jim Stamos

Fermentation

Dishwashing with sugar

Evonik is using biodegradable rhamnolipids to create an ideal basis for the production of sustainable cleaning agents and more.

Recycling

Biofuel made of wood waste

Her work protects the climate and forests: Carolina Barcelos has developed a process for transforming biological waste into fuel.

Biofuel

Crop residues for the fuel tank

Corn, wheat, straw, and millet: Researchers in the USA have found a way to produce ethanol from crop residues.

The circular economy

Why use chemical recycling?

Raffaele Giovinazzi, an expert on the polymer team at IKEA, talks about the importance of chemical recycling processes.