We’re thrilled to announce that our team at the Cardiff Catalysis Institute, Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd), and our partners have been awarded the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry’s Environment, Sustainability and Energy Horizon Prize: John Jeyes Prize (2024). This honor recognizes our groundbreaking project, “Greener Route to Nylon Production,” which effectively decouples the production of cyclohexanone oxime—a crucial precursor to nylon—from traditional hydrogen peroxide manufacturing.
Every year, nearly 2.5 million tons of hydrogen peroxide are used in chemical synthesis processes worldwide. For decades, catalysis researchers have worked toward replacing preformed hydrogen peroxide with hydrogen peroxide generated in-situ, a shift that promises significant improvements in process efficiency, cost reductions, and a substantial decrease in emissions. Until now, achieving an in-situ solution that meets industrial performance standards has remained elusive.
Our team’s innovative technology is the first in-situ approach to reach performance metrics comparable to current state-of-the-art industrial methods. As a drop-in alternative, it requires minimal modifications to existing reactor infrastructure, making it not only a sustainable choice but also a practical one for industries seeking a seamless transition to greener processes.
This award is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team, whose years of hard work and commitment have brought this technology to life. We’re immensely grateful to everyone who has contributed to this project and helped advance the field of sustainable chemical production.
For those interested in learning more, you can read further about our work here:
Thank you to the Royal Society of Chemistry for this incredible honor, and congratulations to all the other remarkable winners and finalists contributing to a more sustainable future.