Easy catalyst

2000/05/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Kimika

Catalysts are widely used in chemistry to accelerate or cause reactions. The synthesis of polymers (plastics) is also widely used, for example, to make polyethylene bags that we use in our purchases. But these catalysts are often very sensitive to impurities, so reactions should be very careful. Impurities are also molecules such as oxygen or water, which are difficult to remove from the environment.

A team of researchers from California has synthesized a catalyst based on the nickel atom, a less reactive element than titanium or traditional zirconium, obtaining very satisfactory results in the synthesis of polyethylene.

Despite the impurities of the reactor, long chains of polyethylene have been formed (in order to use them as plastics, very long chains are necessary), and not only that, but molecules such as water, alcohols or ethers have been integrated into them. This second feature can open the way to the synthesis of new materials.