NNGU scientists have developed catalysts for green chemistry and pharmaceuticals.

      12 August 2025 16:11

      [188]

      Science

      Researchers at the Research Institute of Chemistry of Lobachevsky University have developed new catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates — substances in demand in petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, agrochemical production and lithium‑ion batteries. The university press service reported this.

      As explained by the study’s author, junior research fellow of the Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Anna Golovacheva, the efficiency of cyclic carbonate synthesis largely depends on the catalyst used. The scientists proposed using porous polymers with ionic groups — such materials can be produced quickly and reused many times, which makes them especially promising for industrial application.

      One method of producing cyclic carbonates is the reaction of epoxide compounds with carbon dioxide. The new catalysts allow this process to be carried out under milder conditions — reduced pressure and temperature — while providing a product yield of at least 80%.

      According to the researchers, industry still uses catalysts that contain metals or toxic components. Unlike those, the polymer catalysts created at NNSU are safe, inexpensive and demonstrate high catalytic activity.

      The authors have already published a paper with interim results in the international journal Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. The next step will be testing the technology under real production conditions.

      The project is being implemented with the support of the Russian Science Foundation (grant No. 24-79-10144), the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises and within the federal program "Priority‑2030."

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