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New catalyst leads to more efficient butadiene production

plastics

Plastic bottles in water.

Oct 8, 2024

Podcast: Microplastics

Nathan Crook, an assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, is working on a unique process for getting rid of microplastics: bacteria engineered to degrade polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, plastic. 
plastic fibers and debris float in blue ocean water with fish swimming nearby

Sep 14, 2023

Genetically modified bacteria break down plastics in saltwater

The modified organism breaks down a plastic called PET, which is a significant contributor to microplastic pollution in oceans. 
An illustration of the self-sustaining, circular system of "microcleaners." The soft dendricolloids (orange) are functionalized with peptides that bind to the colored microplastic pieces. These microplastics are then consumed by engineered microbes (green) to be used as fuel or to be made into more microcleaners.

Jun 6, 2023

Reduce, reuse, recycle

NC State University researchers are studying the fundamental science behind how to address plastic waste. 
Several loose tires grouped together.

Aug 3, 2022

New catalyst leads to more efficient butadiene production

Creating butadiene from butane is tricky. Existing techniques for converting butane into butadiene either create a bunch of byproducts that nobody wants, or convert only a small fraction of the butane into butadiene each time the butane passes through a chemical reactor. As a result, you have to run the butane through the same process repeatedly.