Archive · 28 Jul 2026
IIT Indore's breakthrough converts waste into green chemicals
Scientists at IIT Indore have found a quick and easy way to turn two types of waste—carbon dioxide and glycerol—into useful chemicals.
Normally, this process takes a lot of time and energy, but the new method uses a special catalyst and microwave heating to do it in just seven minutes with low heat.
The chemicals made, lactic acid and formic acid, are used in things like biodegradable plastics, cosmetics, and clean energy.
This breakthrough helps the environment by reducing waste and supports a more sustainable future.
IIT Indore researchers developed a method to convert carbon dioxide and glycerol into valuable green chemicals.
The process uses a ruthenium-based catalyst and microwave heating to complete the reaction in about seven minutes with mild heat (50°C).
The chemicals produced, lactic acid and formic acid, are used in biodegradable plastics, cosmetics, medicines, hydrogen storage, and clean-energy fuel cells.
The method is energy-efficient and cost-effective, reducing the need for high heat and pressure typically required in such conversions.
The research was published in the journal 'Green Chemistry' and highlights the potential for sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing.
- Who
- Researchers at IIT Indore led by Dr. Amrendra K Singh
- What
- Developed a method to convert carbon dioxide and glycerol into valuable green chemicals
- When
- Published in the journal 'Green Chemistry'
- Where
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore
- Why
- To reduce waste and promote sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing
Environmental Benefits
Technological Advancements
Environmental Impact
Environmental Benefits
The technology helps reduce carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, by converting it into useful chemicals.
Technological Advancements
The method uses low energy and mild heat, making it a sustainable and efficient process.
Economic Viability
Environmental Benefits
The conversion of waste into valuable chemicals reduces disposal costs and promotes a circular economy.
Technological Advancements
The quick and energy-efficient process lowers production costs, making it economically viable.
- Lead Researcher
- Dr. Amrendra K Singh
- Institution
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore
- Journal
- Green Chemistry
- Catalyst Used
- Ruthenium-based catalyst
- Processing Time
- 7 minutes
- Temperature Used
- 50°C
- Chemicals Produced
- Lactic acid and Formic acid
- Applications
- Biodegradable plastics, cosmetics, medicines, hydrogen storage, and clean-energy fuel cells