News, Events & Press


Efficient conversion of biomass by mechanocatalysis

Dr. Saeed Amirjalayer, CeNTech

March 2019

CeNTech scientists headed by Dr. Saeed Amirjalayer and Prof. Harald Fuchs have succeeded in identifying a new reaction mechanism in which cellulose - being the largest fraction of the natural carbon storage in biomass - can be converted highly efficiently using mechanical force. The nano-scientists could elucidate the influence of mechanical force on the individual steps of the so-called hydrolysis reaction by atomistic modelling. The researchers demonstrate the exceptional potential of applying mechanical force to develop an efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective process for the conversion of biomass. This study has now been published in Angewandte Chemie Int Ed..

press release Münster University
press echo (Westfälische Nachrichten, March 19, 2019)