
Dr. Saeed Amirjalayer, CeNTech
Efficient conversion of biomass by mechanocatalysis
CeNTech scientists headed by Dr. Saeed Amirjalayer and Prof. Harald Fuchs have succeeded in identifying a new reaction mechanism in which cellulose – being the largest fraction of the natural carbon storage in biomass – can be converted highly efficiently using mechanical force. The nano-scientists could elucidate the influence of mechanical force on the individual steps of the so-called hydrolysis reaction by atomistic modelling. The researchers demonstrate the exceptional potential of applying mechanical force to develop an efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective process for the conversion of biomass. This study has now been published in Angewandte Chemie Int Ed..