Research summary
Chemicals provide the building blocks of many of the products we rely on every day-from pharmaceuticals to agrochemicals for growing food to dyes for cosmetics. But producing chemicals is an energy-intensive and polluting process-so it is critical that we discover far more sustainable approaches. Dr. Christopher Caputo, Canada Research Chair in Main-Group Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry, is tackling this problem using a two-pronged approach.
First, he and his research team are developing greener catalysts to create chemicals (a catalyst lowers the barriers to a chemical reaction). These catalysts are produced using less energy and without the need for precious metals, which are rare, expensive and unsustainable. Secondly, the team is working on an innovative platform technology from renewable feedstocks with the goal of revolutionizing personal care by producing ultra-long lasting sun protection.