Biofuel from waste: Zeolite catalysts pave the road to decentralized chemical processes

Fuel from waste? It is possible. But hitherto, converting organic waste to fuel has not been economically viable. Excessively high temperatures and too much energy are required. Using a novel catalyst concept, researchers have now managed to significantly reduce the temperature and energy requirements of a key step in the chemical process. The trick: the reaction takes place in very confined spaces inside zeolite crystals.