Center for Biomass Refining

The CBR is one of several key elements of the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center. We are focused on the development of the science and technologies for the thermo-catalytic conversion of biomass to finished products that meet the needs of the fuels and chemical industries in a sustainable manner.

 

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Zeolites Don´t Mind Hot Water

Volume 90 Issue 20 | p. 10 | News of The Week
Issue Date: May 14, 2012


By Stephen K. RitterDepartment: Science & Technology | Collection: Entrepreneurs 
News Channels: Materials SCENEJACS In C&EN

 

Tacking hydrophobic organosilyl groups onto the surface of a common zeolite helps overcome the catalyst’s inability to function effectively when liquid water is the reaction medium, chemical engineers have found. The researchers believe their water-repelling zeolite could be a hit for high-pressure water/oil emulsion processing of biomass into fuels and chemicals. The protecting group strategy could also benefit other types of catalysts that are inhibited by water, they say.

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