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EPA's green chemistry and engineering researchers develop and demonstrate cleaner syntheses for commodity and specialty chemicals through means including improved catalysis, solvent-free or alternative reaction media, alternative energy sources, energy-efficient separations, the use of renewable raw materials, and process design and intensification.
The chemical industry faces environmental and health challenges that are common across business sectors. From the use of nonrenewable feedstocks to the cost and handling of waste disposal and workers' exposure to toxic substances, the industry must overcome complex hurdles to secure a more sustainable future.
Applying the principles of green chemistry and the principles of green engineering, EPA's green chemistry and engineering researchers are helping move the chemical industry toward sustainability, sometimes with the collaboration of industrial partners. Their innovations support the creation of more sustainable biofuels systems, transform paper mill pollution into commodity chemicals, and result in environmentally benign synthetic routes to nanomaterials.
- Improving Biofuels Recovery Processes for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (PDF) (2 pp, 408 KB)
- Sustainable Chemistry, the Spinning Tube-in-Tube (STT®) Reactor and GREENSCOPE: Innovation and Industrial Partnerships
- Science in Action - PARIS II: Computer Aided Solvent Design for Pollution Prevention (PDF) (2 pp, 28 KB)
Anderson, L.A., A. Redden, and K.D. Moeller. (2011). “Connecting the Dots: Using Sunlight to Drive Electrochemical Oxidations.” Green Chemistry,13: 889–899.
Polshettiwar, V. and R.S. Varma. (2010). “Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Bio-Active Heterocycles and Fine Chemicals in Aqueous Media.” In Aqueous Microwave-Assisted Chemistry: Synthesis and Catalysis. Edited by V. Polshettiwar and R.S. Varma. RSC Publishing, Cambridge, UK.
Ranu, B., A. Saha, and R. Dey. (2010). “Avoiding the Use of Hazardous Solvents and Toxic Catalysts in Carrying Out Conventional Organic Reactions.” Current Opinion in Drug Discovery & Development, 13: 658–668.
Saha, A. and B. Ranu. (2010). “Transition Metal-Free Activation of Allylic Acetates Toward Regioselective S-Allylation of Thiols.” Tetrahedron Letters, 51: 1902–1905.
Srinivasan, R., G. Sorial, and E. Sahle-Demessie. (2009). “Removal of Perchlorate and Chlorate in Aquatic Systems Using Integrated Technologies.” Environmental Engineering Science, 26, 11: 1661–1671.
Additional Publications (PDF) (1 pp, 52 KB)