Issue 25 of Science@ifpen

Special issue: Catalysis and Séparation

Catalysis and separation are essential fields when it comes to conceiving environmentally friendly innovations in the energy and chemistry sectors. By combining catalytic and separation steps, innovative, more energy-efficient processes can be developed, with better yields and limiting the production of by-products. This has a major impact given that over 80% of the products we use today have undergone one or more of these steps during their manufacturing process!

Drawing on its expertise and advanced methodologies, combining high-throughput experimentation with molecular modeling, IFPEN has established itself as an internationally recognized player in the design of differentiated catalytic and/or separation solutions. For example, it is now one of the world leaders for publications and patents in the field of sulfide catalysis, metal catalysis, acid-base catalysis and molecular catalysis. It is also actively involved in the development of new sectors, such as biofuels, bio-based chemistry,
or CO₂ conversion.

Its broad influence is illustrated here by a few studies published recently in liaison with academia.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue.

Denis Guillaume, Director of the Catalysis and Separation Division
 

Summary:

- Zeolite based adsorbents and xylene separation: cracking the combination
- Quantum chemistry sheds light on catalytic mechanisms
- A catalytic combination for bio-based plastics
- Cracking heavy crudes
- Effective fuel desulfurization: a question of orientation
- Fischer-Tropsch: a synthesis process that’s still green
 

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