April 16, 2025 | University of Alicante

Researchers at the University of Alicante have developed a new generation of hybrid catalysts designed to electrify the chemical industry, making it cleaner and more energy-efficient. This innovation is based on the synthesis of zeolites in the presence of silicon carbide nanoparticles, a material highly efficient in absorbing microwaves and electromagnetic induction.

The resulting composite material features zeolite crystals encapsulating silicon carbide nanoparticles, ensuring intimate contact between the catalytic phase and the heating phase. This architecture enhances thermal efficiency, achieving the same chemical conversion as conventional catalysts but with a 40% reduction in energy consumption.

Advancing Industrial Decarbonization

This breakthrough represents a significant step towards industrial decarbonization, one of the major challenges in the transition to a sustainable economy. By integrating materials that respond efficiently to electromagnetic fields, the new catalysts enable processes that are not only more energy-efficient but also reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Professor Javier García Martínez, leading the research at the Molecular Nanotechnology Laboratory, emphasizes the potential of these hybrid catalysts in transforming industrial chemical processes. Their ability to operate under electromagnetic heating conditions opens new avenues for cleaner production methods.

Applications Beyond Catalysis

Beyond their catalytic applications, the research team is also exploring the use of carbon quantum dots to develop photoactive materials. These materials have promising applications in sustainable hydrogen production and the elimination of environmental pollutants, contributing further to the goals of green chemistry.

Professor García Martínez's work in green and sustainable chemistry has garnered international recognition. He has been invited by the Nobel Prize Committee to present his advancements at the upcoming Nobel Symposium on Chemistry for Sustainability, scheduled for May 19 in Stockholm. This invitation underscores the global importance of developing technologies that align with environmental sustainability.

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