Environmentally compatible chemical processes: Mainz University enters into new cooperation agreement in Dalian, China

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and Chinese Academy of Sciences cooperate in research on the production of ionic liquids

28.05.2009

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has extended its cooperation in the field of chemistry with scientific institutions in the People's Republic of China. According to the cooperation agreement between Mainz University and the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the two partners extend their future cooperation in the development of new chemical process technologies as, for example, the production of ionic liquids. The project partner from Mainz University is the Institute for Organic Chemistry's Division of Chemical Micro Process Technology, while the partner from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics is the China Ionic Liquid Laboratory (CHILL). "Two years ago, we established a research laboratory in cooperation with the University of Dalian with the purpose of developing sustainable chemical processes that save energy and are more environmentally compatible," said Professor Löwe of the Institute of Organic Chemistry at Johannes Gutenberg University.

As a result of the rapid industrialization of China over the last decades, the country encounters significant environmental problems. These are to be met by the application of sustainable chemical processes in future. Thus, Professor Urs Welz-Biermann, head of CHILL, described the establishment of closer cooperation as "a step in the right direction, towards global thinking."

The ionic liquids that are the subject of the new cooperation agreement are so-called liquid salts, suitable for many applications such as dissolving cellulose in the paper industry, desulphurizing crude oil, replacing toxic or hazardous solvents, or for use as electrolytes in batteries and fuel cells.

Among other things, the agreement makes provision for the exchange of researchers and students, joint research and teaching projects, as well as for the organization of joint conferences and workshops. The exchange of doctoral students will be the first step.