curiosityisunderrated:mindblowingscience:New electrocatalyst helps turn polluted water into fertilizer and polymersA new electrochemical system simultaneously converts plant-derived materials and nitrate pollutants into valuable industrial chemicals. Developed by Tohoku University researchers, the system provides a more sustainable way to manufacture chemicals while helping address wastewater pollution.Details of the system were published in the journal Angewandte Chemie on June 8, 2026.A new catalyst made the process possible by enabling two chemical reactions to occur efficiently within the same electrolysis device. The system converts a biomass-derived compound called 1,5-pentanediol into glutaric acid, an important chemical used in the production of polymers and specialty materials, while also transforming nitrate contaminants in wastewater into ammonia, a key ingredient in fertilizers and many industrial products.Continue ReadingUhhh, can I get a “FUCK YEAH, SCIENCE!”?Thank you.
A new electrochemical system simultaneously converts plant-derived materials and nitrate pollutants into valuable industrial chemicals. Developed by Tohoku University researchers, the system provides a more sustainable way to manufacture chemicals while helping address wastewater pollution.
Details of the system were published in the journal Angewandte Chemie on June 8, 2026.
A new catalyst made the process possible by enabling two chemical reactions to occur efficiently within the same electrolysis device. The system converts a biomass-derived compound called 1,5-pentanediol into glutaric acid, an important chemical used in the production of polymers and specialty materials, while also transforming nitrate contaminants in wastewater into ammonia, a key ingredient in fertilizers and many industrial products.