Green Chemistry
Catalysis Laboratory

R&D Initiative

Catalytic Routes to Cleaner Fuels
Over 900 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel are used each year in the United States, and recent national legislation was enacted to reduce gasoline and diesel fuel vehicle emissions. In response, the EPA has issued new standards for tailpipe emissions, which take effect in 2004. Gasoline suppliers also face stricter standards for sulfur levels in fuels beginning in 2005. The legislative, regulatory and scientific impetus for cleaner fuels stems from research that shows sulfur in fuels dramatically decreases the effectiveness of catalytic converters.

Green Chemistry Catalysis Laboratory scientists will conduct research to:

• Create new catalysts for the conversion of soybean oil into biodiesel fuels; and

• Help local and regional cooperatives use the new catalysts developed by GCCL researchers in their processing plants to produce less polluting fuels.

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