Knowridge: Scientists turn greenhouse gas into plastics
UC engineering professor is developing new ways of making in-demand chemical
Knowridge Science Report highlighted a University of Cincinnati engineer's innovative methods to convert carbon dioxide into ethylene, a chemical compound that is used in diverse manufacturing processes around the world.
Associate Professor Jingjie Wu in UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science and his research partners developed an efficient method for converting carbon dioxide to ethylene, a key ingredient in plastics and many other uses.
Ethylene has been called “the world’s most important chemical,” used in everything from textiles to antifreeze to vinyl. The chemical industry generated 225 million metric tons of ethylene in 2022.
Wu said the process holds promise for one day producing ethylene through green energy instead of fossil fuels. It has the added benefit of removing carbon from the atmosphere.
His research team's findings were published in the journal Nature Chemical Engineering.
UC chemical engineering in the news
In his chemical engineering lab, Associate Professor Jingjie Wu is refining a process that converts carbon dioxide into ethylene. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
- Technology Networks: Conversion turns greenhouse gas into ethylene
- Chemical Processing: UC researchers ID path to more efficient ethylene production
- AZO Cleantech: A system that is more effective in handling climate change
Related Stories
UC Day of Giving kicks off with celebration of scholarship gift
April 15, 2021
UC Day of Giving is kicked off with an important scholarship gift for nursing and engineering.
Village Life partners with UC International to support Global Scholars
April 14, 2021
Two students from Tanzania receive Global Opportunity Scholarships and get a big Bearcat welcome!
UC’s summer semester offers students short sessions, flexibility
April 12, 2021
Coming into the summertime of 2020, Sumedha Kappagantula was considering ways to make the most her opportunities during what is usually a break from the academic rigor of her traditional school year. As a Biomedical Engineering major in the UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Kappagantula is minoring in Chemistry and Biological Sciences, taking classes through the College of Arts and Sciences. She thought summer semester would be a great time to get ahead in her coursework, and move her degree forward.