World’s top scientists share ideas at catalysis conference

Leading scientists will showcase the results of ground-breaking research at the annual Cardiff Catalysis Institute Conference in January.

The 2018 gathering brings together academics and industry leaders to present their findings, with talks covering the breadth of research across the Institute.

Professor Graham Hutchings, Director of Cardiff Catalysis Institute, said: "We are delighted to host an outstanding programme of presentations from renowned international scientists, but the conference isn’t just about celebrating established know-how..."

Leading European presenters will include:

• Stig Helveg, from Danish catalysis company Haldor Topsoe, who has studied catalysts in action using electron microscopy;
• Fabrizio Cavani (Università di Bologna) who researches catalysis techniques in upgrading fuels;
• Laura Prati (University of Milan) and Petra de Jongh (Utrecht University), whose work examines the role of copper in modifying the performance of gold as a catalyst.

Catalysis is one of the most important technologies in the industrial world. Eighty per cent of all manufactured materials are produced using a catalyst.

Recent research discoveries by Cardiff Catalysis Institute include new techniques for turning methane to methanol using gold as a catalyst. The team has also developed a clean new chemical process for manufacturing vinyl chloride without using harmful mercury, and a catalyst to increase biodiesel yields by recycling waste.

Cardiff Catalysis Institute is dedicated to improving the understanding of catalysis, developing new catalytic processes with industry and promoting the use of catalysis as a sustainable 21st century technology.

The invitation-only event takes place on 9 and 10 January.