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ETH Zurich catalyst can convert polypropylene directly into motor oil with high selectivity

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Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Switzerland, have developed a carbon-supported platinum nanoparticle catalyst that can achieve complete hydrocracking of polypropylene into liquid hydrocarbons (C 5 –C 45 ). With tuning, the catalyst can achieve a selectivity of 80% toward motor oil (C 21 –C 45 ).

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EU project HyFlexFuel converted sewage sludge and other biomasses into kerosene by hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL); SAF

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For the future, it will be important to commercialize advanced biofuel conversion technologies, which utilize a broader and more sustainable feedstock base. Solid particles and process waters, which also evolve during HTL conversion, contain a significant fraction of the carbon and the nutrients from the initial biomass.

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AVA Biochem enters JDA with Michelin Group for production of 5-HMF

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With the common goal to further implement 5-HMF in various materials and chemical applications, AVA Biochem AG in Zug, Switzerland has entered into a Joint Development Agreement with the Michelin Group. Earlier post.) 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF, CAS 67-47-0) is the link between biomass and furan-based chemicals.

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Kiepe Electric orders 80 trolleybus Li-ion battery systems from Voltabox

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With the standard container, Voltabox has developed a solution that considerably simplifies the conversion of trolleybus auxiliary drives to modern lithium-ion battery systems, thereby accelerating the process of phasing out diesel backup generators. The Voltabox systems will support trolleybuses in four cities in Switzerland and Italy.

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Swiss WTW study finds important role for alternative fuels as well as alt drivetrains in move to low-emissions vehicles

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Second, it is specific to Switzerland. Among the broader findings of the study are: Full battery-electric vehicles demonstrate some of the lowest WTW energy demand and GHG emissions of all drivetrains due to relatively high energy conversion chain efficiences. 2013.10.043.

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Ansys releases pre-lockdown global survey on vehicle electrification

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Conversely, 39% of respondents would only buy an EV if gasoline-powered vehicles were no longer available. The sample included 16,037 adults 18-and-over, from the UK, US, DACH (Austria, Germany and Switzerland), France, Sweden, Japan, China and India. US respondents are split when it comes to when they’ll consider purchasing an EV.

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Empa researchers investigating new process for production of synthetic methane

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Methanization works by producing methane (CH 4 ) and water (H 2 O) by catalytic conversion from carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and hydrogen (H 2 ). The project is supported by the Canton of Zurich, the ETH Board, Avenergy Suisse, Migros, Lidl Switzerland, Glattwerk, Armasuisse and Swisspower.