Green Chemistry
Catalysis Laboratory

Objective
The objective of the Ames Lab Green Chemistry and Catalysis Laboratory (GCCL) is to perform catalysis research that resolves significant energy and environmental issues. The catalysis effort is part of the IPRT Center for Catalysis. It will:

• bring together groups and laboratories involved in DOE-sponsored catalysis research,

• partner with industry and commodity groups, and

• enhance the economy of Iowa and other Midwestern states through the transfer of innovation from the laboratory to the marketplace.

The Center for Catalysis was funded by the Department of Energy in 2002. The GCCL involves a scientific force of over 40 Ames Lab and ISU scientists from 10 departments and centers with a common goal of resolving national energy and environmental issues. This group will conduct research into:

• homogeneous catalysis,

• heterogeneous catalysis, and

• biocatalysis,

and the applications of these to green chemistry. Their new and improved catalysts will enable important chemical reactions to be carried out under milder conditions, with less energy expenditure, in a shorter time, using less reactive and more environmentally friendly chemicals and solvents. A focus on green chemistry means a focus on chemistry that will prevent or minimize pollution at the source (a goal that is fundamentally dependent upon catalysis).

Description
Catalysis is critical to the protection and advancement of our national interests. A recent study by the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy identifies catalysis (and biocatalysis) as one of the seven critical enabling research areas that are expected to have a significant impact on the national interest. The Department of Energy cited this critical interest when it provided funding through the Office of Biological and Environmental Research to establish the Center for Catalysis in 2002.

During the initiative’s first year, the Center is setting the administrative structure and providing preliminary "seed" research funding to encourage a wider participation in the catalysis and green chemistry program. The Center solicited proposals in catalytic research that take advantage of the traditional strengths of the Ames Laboratory in areas such as analytical chemistry, as well as in emerging areas such as nanotechnology and genomics. Examples of planned research include:

• catalytic conversion of renewable natural resources into industrially promising materials;

• development of new catalysts for the oxidation or reduction of commodity chemicals;

• use of enzymes from plants and microorganisms in biocatalysis;

• creation of new screening methods for catalyst discovery; and

• development of new, environmentally friendly processes of industrial importance.

In addition, the Center and the GCCL plan to host scientific conferences and create web-based tutorials to further facilitate and promote the exchange of information.

It is also important to note that while the projects are primarily in basic research, that the expressed interest of industry and association leaders demonstrates the potential impact of this work on matters of concern to industry. 

For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions.

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