New ethylene catalyst: Purer and more efficient

Ethylene is the base for many chemicals in today's industry. This material has many different applications and forms, but we can find it in our daily lives. We can find it in packaging, plastic bags, pipes and toys.

He Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIC-UPV) has developed an innovative patented catalyst that optimizes ethylene purification, offering greater control over reaction temperatures to avoid unwanted side reactions. This technological advance allows the industrial process to be carried out in a safer and more efficient manner while guaranteeing product quality.

What is ethylene?

Ethylene is an important molecule in the chemical industry and is used in a variety of applications. It is primarily known for its role as a natural plant hormone that regulates various growth and development processes in plants, such as fruit ripening and flowering.

In addition to its role in agriculture and horticulture, ethylene also has various industrial applications. It is used as a raw material in the production of polyethylene, one of the most common and widely used plastics around the world.

Importance of ethylene

Ethylene plays a crucial role in various industries and sectors around the world due to its versatility and usefulness. Some of the reasons why ethylene is important globally include:

1. Chemical industry: Ethylene is a fundamental raw material in the chemical industry, used in the production of a wide range of chemicals, plastics and materials.
2. Plastics Manufacturing: Polyethylene, produced from ethylene, is one of the most common and widely used plastics in the world.
3. Agriculture: Ethylene is used in agriculture to control the ripening process of fruits and vegetables, helping to regulate the supply and demand of agricultural products, improving the quality and appearance of crops, and reducing losses during transportation and storage. .
4. Rubber Industry: Ethylene is used in the manufacture of synthetic rubber, which is used in automobile tires, industrial products, footwear, sealants and adhesives.
5. Pharmaceutical and Personal Care: Ethylene is used in the production of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care products.
6. Energy and Fuels: Ethylene is used as a raw material in the production of ethanol. A biofuel that is mixed with gasoline to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Ethylene in the Environment

Ethylene, being a colorless and odorless gas, can have both positive and negative effects on the environment, depending on its concentration and how it is released. Here are some considerations about ethylene in the environment:

1. Natural emissions: Ethylene is produced naturally in the atmosphere as part of biological processes, such as plant respiration and the decomposition of organic matter. These emissions are part of the natural carbon cycle and generally do not cause significant environmental problems.
2. Atmospheric pollutant: At high concentrations, ethylene can contribute to air pollution and the formation of smog. It is produced as a byproduct of the burning of fossil fuels and certain industrial activities, such as the production of plastics and chemicals.
3. Effect on plants: At low concentrations, ethylene can act as a natural plant hormone that regulates various growth and development processes in plants, such as fruit ripening, flowering, and senescence. However, at high concentrations, it can be harmful to plants and cause damage to crops.
4. Impact on human health: Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of ethylene can have negative effects on human health, such as respiratory irritation and lung problems. However, at typical concentrations found in the environment, ethylene generally does not pose a significant risk to human health.

Conclusion

The development of a new catalyst for ethylene purification represents a significant advance in the chemical industry, offering a safer and more efficient solution for this crucial process. This innovative catalyst, patented by the Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIC-UPV), allows greater control over reaction temperatures, which avoids unwanted secondary reactions and guarantees the quality of the final product.

Ethylene plays a critical role in numerous industries worldwide, from plastics production to agriculture and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Its importance lies in its versatility and its role as a raw material in the production of a wide range of chemicals and materials essential in our daily lives.

Furthermore, it is important to consider the effects of ethylene on the environment and human health, as well as seek innovative solutions to minimize its negative impact.