Changing the shape of molecules freely with the power of electricity and catalysts.
Electrochemistry, catalyst, (bio) alcohol, aldehyde, ester, acetal, carbon neutral, renewable energy, hydrogen.
By slightly adjusting the shape of a molecule, its function can change dramatically. For example, ethanol brings about a pleasant intoxication, but acetaldehyde, which is derived from ethanol by removing two hydrogen atoms, is the source of hangovers. Industrially, functional molecules such as aldehydes and esters are synthesized from alcohol as a raw material, helping to create products around us. Until now, alcohol has been converted using heat (obtained by burning fossil resources) and oxidants (reagents that pull out hydrogen), but the combustion of fossil resources leads to carbon dioxide emissions, and oxidants generate a large amount of waste. We are pioneering a new alcohol conversion process driven by "electric power" generated from sources like solar power. The key lies in catalytic membranes and ion exchange membranes. By working together, these can create high-value-added molecules from alcohol. This reaction also simultaneously produces hydrogen, which is the next-generation energy source.
- Company：埼玉大学 オープンイノベーションセンター
- Price：Other
