A Greener Route to Nylon Production

Richard Lewis: The biggest challenge that this project faced was in the design and synthesis of catalytic materials that were able to overcome the broad conditions gap that exists between the two key reaction pathways (i.e. the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide and the synthesis of the Nylon precursor) while also demonstrating excellent stability under conditions that promoted deactivation of active sites.

Jenny Edwards: The steer of our industrial collaborators was critical to make sure we could integrate the two catalytic pathways to be a commercially viable solution. In doing so, the catalysts themselves became much more complex and so the skills of our materials characterization team were critical to understand how the catalyst performed.

Richard Lewis: This breakthrough technology represents the first major decoupling of industrial H2O2 production from chemical synthesis, allowing for significant decarbonization of an existing industrial chemical process. It is a clear demonstration that significant improvements in current state-of-the-art technologies can be made and will hopefully contribute to the chemical synthesis sectors' declared sustainability goals.

Richard Lewis: We foresee this technology being implemented at scale, which would represent a significant step towards more efficient production of a major commodity chemical. More broadly, we hope that this work will inspire others to challenge existing paradigms and, through collective efforts, aid in the transition of the chemical synthesis sector towards more sustainable processes.

Richard Lewis: We envisage this technology as a drop-in replacement for existing industrial routes to Nylon, allowing for improved process efficiencies in production and the decarbonization of a major commodity chemical.

Richard Lewis: Currently planning is underway for the evaluation of this technology beyond the laboratory scale. We’re also investigating the applicability of the in situ approach in the valorization of a range of other chemical feedstocks. Until now, the high cost of preformed H2O2 has been a major hurdle to commercial progression. However, through effective in situ production of the oxidant, considerable cost reductions may be achieved, which, when coupled with the improved environmental credentials of our technology, improves commercial viability.

David Morgan: The expanding roles of catalysis in everyday application is always exciting, but from a personal perspective, it’s the challenge of unravelling and understanding the complexities of the materials we produce.

Alex Stenner: As an early career scientist, collaboration is paramount from both a personal and collective perspective. This project has provided the opportunity to work with a diverse team of talented and knowledgeable individuals, which has been an incredibly valuable learning experience which I will take forward throughout my career.

Jenny Edwards: Where there are no barriers to inclusion, and each and every person has the opportunity to contribute their expertise. Individuals are recognized for their contributions in an environment that is supportive of a healthy work-life balance.

Richard Lewis: From the development of effective medicines and the production of materials we all rely on daily to the development of sustainable fuels, new energy sources and reversing environmental damage and decline, without the chemical sciences, the modern world simply would not exist.

Richard Lewis: Don’t be afraid to question existing paradigms. Scientific discovery is driven by individuals and teams that are willing to explore heterodox approaches to challenges, including those that the community considers solved. Also, recognize that success isn’t always measured in the same timeframe or by the same metrics for everyone.