Greener Routes to Value-Added Fluorocarbons by Metal-Catalyzed Reactions

The current production methods for new generation refrigerants (HFO-1234yf) used in cars, refrigerators, air-conditioners, etc. require energy intensive and sometimes corrosive conditions. The current project seeks to reduce or eliminate these two caveats. We propose, by using readily available feedstock or by-products from Teflon manufacturing, we could use our process to easily manufacture HFO-1234yf. Using our less energy intensive, heating to only 50 °C, and mild conditions could lead to significant cost reductions in plant equipment and energy demands. Thus, the reduction in energy demand will bring about lower production cost. This will also reduce CO2 emissions which could prove beneficial, in Ontario, with the current cap & trade program. These improvements would benefit our partner by allowing them to produce the same quality of product at lower-cost and includes the possibility of the development of new products.

Faculty Supervisor:

Tom Baker

Student:

Nicholas Andrella

Partner:

Arkema

Discipline:

Biochemistry / Molecular biology

Sector:

Alternative energy

University:

Program: