Green Chemistry
The development of Hydrogen Link’s proprietary nano-catalyst has led to a wide variety of applications. Specific types of the nano-catalysts have been developed for such processes as polymerization of biodegradable, biocompatible and bioresorbable polymers, production of bio-fuels, water purification, dye degradation, advanced oxidation reactions, and production of ultra-hydrophobic particles.
Our main focus is on principles of “green chemistry”, where only non-toxic and environment-friendly components, reagents and solvents are used, while the technologies are directed towards renewable, degradable and recyclable products.
Examples of such “green technologies” developed at Hydrogen Link are briefly described below. These technologies (and others currently under development) are available for licensing or further collaborative development toward particular applications.
Catalysts for Ring Opening Polymerization of cyclic esters
Hydrogen Link has developed a unique nano-catalyst for Ring Opening Polymerization with outstanding efficiency in polymerization cyclic esters such as e-caprolactone, lactide or glycolide. The resulting polymers -- poly-caprolactone (PCL), poly-lactide (PLA), poly-glycolide (PGA) -- are often called “biopolymers” because of their ability to fully degrade under composting conditions and because of their excellent bio-compatibility with the human body. Another advantage specific to poly-lactide is its derivation from petroleum-free, natural and renewable resources, such as corn.
Biopolymers produced with the new catalyst exhibit high molecular weight and very good mechanical properties as well as good drawing ability. They are versatile for both common use (enabled by highly reduced price with the new catalyst) and specialty applications such as bioabsorbable plastics, drug delivery materials and other advanced medical applications.
The essential advantages of the catalyst are:
- exceptional activity in ring opening polymerization (ROP)
- low cost and straightforward synthesis in substantial quantities
- full bio-compatibility and bioresorbability of the catalyst itself (thus eliminating the problem of the toxicity of the current catalysts, which can be toxic or inflammatory even in minuscule amounts)
Polymerization of amino acids and fibrillogenesis of collagen
Hydrogen Link has developed an amino acid polymerization process to form a variety of specialty hydro-gels and poly-condensates, based on various amino acid components. For example, gels of poly-lysine, poly-arginine, poly-alanine, or poly-glycine and their combinations have been developped.
We have also developed a new method for macro–scale fibrillogenesis of collagen. Instant self-assemby of collagen fibrils proceeds from proteins, without any use of toxic or bio-incompatible solvents of agents. The method is simple, inexpensive and involves only FDA approved components.
Gelatin is instantly and effectively transformed into macro–scale fibrils of collagen, which can be subsequently formed into materials of varying stiffness and mechanical properties. These products vary from dry and hard solids to flexible, tendon-resembling strips, thin membranes and gels. Alternatively, micro-fibrils or collagen scaffolds can be formed.
Water purification and dye degradation
Hydrogen Link has developed a unique technology allowing scalable decolourization treatment of waste water. Our technology allows to fully degrade all kinds of industrial dyes, such as those seen in the food and textile industry, including azo dyes, even in high concentration.
The technology is truly environmentally friendly and does not use any harsh solutions or reagents such as chlorine, or any kind of bleach or strong alkaline solutions. The process, which is based on the most efficient hydroxyl radicals, is much more powerful than any conventional “advanced oxidation technology” techniques.
Nano-particles with super-hydrophobic properties
Hydrogen Link has developed a synthesis method for nano-powders with unique surface properties. These powders are capable of forming layers with exceptional super-hydrophobic (or ultra-hydrophobic) properties, exhibiting the “lotus effect”. This effect is characterized by the formation of spherical droplets of water on the surface, without any wettabillity.
Catalysts for Advanced Oxidation
The term advanced oxidation is used to describe chemical oxidation that involves active oxygen species which act as very reactive oxidants. Advanced oxidation can be induced by the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and/or ozone, or in Fenton-type reactions.
Hydrogen Link has developed an outstanding type of catalyst for advanced oxidation processes, which provides extraordinary efficiency combined with full control of the process as well as low cost.
Catalyst for bio-fuel production
Production of bio-fuels, and more specifically of bio-diesel, from renewable resources such as vegetable oil (triglycerides) requires the use of a catalyst. Usually, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is used in this process, although it is corrosive and very sensitive to water contamination, which result in unwanted saponification.
Hydrogen Link has developed a new solid-state catalyst for the production of bio-diesel, which allows transesterification of triglycerides into a renewable bio-fuel without the use of sodium hydroxide.
