[ Chemical / Petrochemical ]
[ Chemical / Petrochemical ]
Turning CO2 into fuel
Converting carbon dioxide molecules( see image) to hydrocarbons could become a cleaner alternative to producing fossil fuels, according to a report in the Journal of American Chemical Society. A team of researchers in China has apparently envisioned a strategy using“ molecular fences” to trap reaction intermediates, increasing the conversion rates and energy efficiency of the process. This process is especially selective toward the production of ethylene, the principal pillar of the petrochemical industry, with an annual global production of about 225 million metric tons. https:// cen. acs. org / articles / 104 / web / 2026 / 04 / scalable-co2-to-ethyleneconversion-single-atom-catalysis. html
equipment in the chemical process industry, noting the value of duplex and super-austenitics for chloridecontaining media as well as acid / caustic media. The company also considers specialty stainless steels for applications such as nitric acid, highly concentrated sulphuric acid, ureacarbamate environments, etc. Meanwhile, HAYNES International reports on the high resistance of HASTELLOY ®
G-30 ® alloy to“ wet process” phosphoric acid – a key industrial chemical and the primary source of phosphorus for agrichemical fertilizers. VDM puts the spotlight on the steadily increasing demands on process parameters in the chemicals industry which“ has led to high operating temperatures and pressures that can only be safely managed through the use of high-alloy materials.”
Stressing the uniquely rigorous materials selection challenges facing the chemical process industry, Outokumpu outlines the potential of alloys such as Ultra 725LN and Ultra 724L( 316UG) in urea production, 304L / 4306 304L NAG for nitric acid production and 904L for phosphoric acid production. Finally, Action Stainless highlights the need to consider surface finishing in corrosive applications, given that the finish can have a direct impact on material performance. A rough or unpolished surface apparently creates micro-crevices where chemicals can collect, leading to localized corrosion or contamination. For systems that require clean-in-place capabilities or FDA-grade sanitation, a smooth, uniform finish is critical.
About the Author
A freelance editor, David Sear has been covering the flow control sector for over three decades. Suggestions, comments and critique are expressly welcomed and can be addressed to David at: info @ teservices. nl.
www. stainless-steel-world. net Stainless Steel World June 2026 19