Pioneering at an atomic level

As early as 2008, Zhang's team pioneered a new reaction for the direct catalytic conversion of cellulose to produce ethylene glycol, providing a new pathway for the production of bio-based ethylene glycol.

The industrial production of ethylene glycol through biomass catalysis is a condensed representation of Zhang's many years of research achievements.

He Mingyuan, a professor at East China Normal University and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said: "Ethylene glycol is primarily produced from petroleum ethylene or coal, with non-renewable raw materials, high carbon dioxide emissions and high energy consumption.

"In terms of resource utilization, biomass is the only organic carbon source that has the potential to replace fossil fuels." He emphasized that the effective utilization of biomass is a crucial issue in green and sustainable development, which scientists have been addressing since recognizing the energy value of biomass.

In September 2020, China stated its goals of reaching peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.

"The technology of catalytic conversion of biomass to produce ethylene glycol is of great significance for achieving China's 'dual carbon' goals and will make a significant contribution to the global ecological environment," He said.

yandongjie@chinadaily.com.cn