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Novel Catalytic Technology for Propylene Epoxidation--CeraMem Corporation, 12 Clematis Avenue , Waltham , MA   02453-7011; 781-899-4495, www.ceramem.com
Dr. Michael C.J. Bradford, Principal Investigator, mbradford@ceramem.com 
Dr. Richard J. Higgins, Business Official, higgins@ceramem.com 
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83622
Amount:  $100,000

Propylene oxide is a valuable commodity chemical intermediate that is used for the production of urethane polyether polyols, propylene glycol, glycol ethers, allyl alcohols, and isopropanolamines.  The worldwide production capacity of propylene oxide exceeds 8 billion lb_m per year, and has grown at an average rate of 2% per annum since 1988.  However, the multiple-step processes currently used by industry to manufacture propylene oxide are extremely energy intensive.  The development and implementation of a new catalytic technology for the direct production of propylene oxide in the United States could save up to 16 trillion BTUs per annum.  This project will develop a novel catalytic technology for the direct epoxidation of propylene in a three-phase reactor containing a slurry of a highly dispersed nanoparticle catalyst in a unique fluid medium.  Phase I will prepare, evaluate, and conduct an initial optimization of several nanoparticle catalysts and fluids in a bench-scale reactor for propylene epoxidation.  In addition, a preliminary process engineering and economic model of a commercial-scale process will be developed in order to evaluate economic viability and energy efficiency.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee:  A catalyst process for the direct manufacture of propylene oxide should be less energy intensive than currently practiced technologies and could save up to 16 trillion BTUs per annum.