Proposed themes in 2025-26

1. Polyquaternium production (G4)

Polyquaterniums are a group of cationic polymers used in hair and skincare products to provide conditioning, smoothing, and static-reducing benefits by neutralizing negative charges on hair and skin. They can be derived from natural polymers like cellulose or synthesized from organic monomers. The specific benefits and chemical properties of each polyquaternium are distinguished by a unique number (e.g., Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-10), assigned in the order they are registered with the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) --- (refs).

2. HexaMethyleneDiamine production (G8)

Hexamethylenediamine (HMD) is produced by the catalytic hydrogenation of adiponitrile (ADN), a process where hydrogen gas is added to adiponitrile molecules in the presence of a catalyst like Raney nickel or cobalt, often in a solvent like molten adiponitrile or ammonia. Adiponitrile itself is typically made from butadiene through a process involving hydrogen cyanide. Emerging bio-based routes, like those via fermentation of amino acids or other precursors, are also under development to provide more sustainable alternatives --- (refs).

3. Ethyl acrylate production (G6)

Ethyl acrylate is produced through the acid-catalyzed esterification of acrylic acid with ethanol. This process typically occurs in the liquid phase and utilizes an acid catalyst like sulfuric acid or a solid acid. After the reaction, the crude product undergoes distillation to separate and purify the ethyl acrylate, which is then stabilized with a polymerization inhibitor like hydroquinone. References:

4. Cyrene production (G5)

Dihydrolevoglucosenone (cyrene) is a bicyclic, chiral, seven-membered heterocyclic cycloalkanone which is a waste derived and fully biodegradable aprotic dipolar solvent. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to dimethylformamide (DMF) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) --- (refs).

5. Thermochemical recycling of PE, PP plastic fractions (G9)

Thermochemical recycling breaks down polyethylene (PE) into basic chemical building blocks using high temperatures. Key processes include pyrolysis, which converts PE into oil, char, and gas, and gasification or steam cracking, which can also produce syngas or fuels. These methods offer an alternative to mechanical recycling for challenging PE waste, yielding valuable raw materials like hydrocarbons and chemicals for reintroduction into the production cycle. References:

6. 2-MethylTetraHydroFuran production (G2)

2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) has been promoted as an ecologically-friendly alternative to THF. 2-MeTHF is produced from renewable biomass via two primary catalytic hydrogenation pathways: from furfural, which is first hydrogenated to 2-methylfuran (2-MF) and then to 2-MeTHF, and from levulinic acid (LA), where LA is converted to γ-valerolactone (GVL), then 1,4-pentanediol, which is finally dehydrated to 2-MeTHF. The raw materials are lignocellulosic biomass, such as corncobs or bagasse, with hydrogenation catalysts including Nickel, Palladium, Copper, or Ruthenium on supports like alumina or carbon --- (refs).

7. Syngas cleaning (G3)

Syngas cleaning removes contaminants like dust, sulfur, ammonia, and heavy metals to meet product quality, downstream process requirements, and environmental regulations. Cleaning methods are categorized as cold gas (low temperature, often using water scrubbing) or hot gas (high temperature, using filters, sorbents, or catalysts). Key technologies include cyclones, filters, wet scrubbers, solid adsorbents, catalytic converters, and acid gas removal (AGR) systems, with choices depending on the application and required purity --- (refs).

8. Production of renewable methanol from urban waste (G7)

Renewable methanol is produced from urban waste by first processing the waste into a synthesis gas (syngas) through methods like gasification or partial oxidation, which is then purified and converted into methanol. This process offers a way to recycle non-recyclable waste and create a versatile fuel for transportation and chemicals, contributing to carbon neutrality and the circular economy. References:

9. Caprolactone production (G1)

Caprolactone (ε-CL) is a monomer used in the production of highly specialised polymers. Ring-opening polymerization, for example, gives polycaprolactone. Another polymer is polyglecaprone, used as suture material in surgery. ε-caprolactone is produced industrially through several methods, primarily via the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of cyclohexanone using peracetic acid or catalytic systems with oxygen. Alternative methods include the biocatalytic conversion of cyclohexanol using enzymes like Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenases and the direct condensation of 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid --- (refs).