ChBE-Eurochem Technologies Sign Research Collaboration

On 30 September 2005, our Department (Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering -- ChBE) signed an agreement on research collaborations with the Eurochem Technologies Corporation Pte Ltd (ETC)  on the synthesis of new nanostructured catalysts. ETC is fully incorporated in Singapore, with a strategic intent to develop low-cost, high-value petrochemical businesses with global reach using the abundant sources of competitively priced natural gas available in favorable locations.
 

The ChBE-ETC collaboration will be directed by Prof Zeng Hua Chun and will focus on the development of new supported-metal catalysts for conversion of synthetic gas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen, produced from natural gas) to high-value light olefins (ethylene and propylene). Catalysts for other value-added by-products will also be investigated. The collaboration seeks to make use of our strong research program, developed over the past several years, on synthesis of nanostructured catalytic materials to explore technology development in a key area of petrochemical research and development with Eurochem's initiative and support. ETC will provide major research funds and manpower for this joint effort. Over the next 3 years, ETC will contribute a total of about S$1.8 M for major equipment, manpower, and general research expenditures, and two of the ETC researchers will be stationed in the Department and will work hand-in-hand with our research students and engineers. We also expect the collaboration to expand to other energy-related research, such as co-development of nanocatalysts and chemical processes for other high value petrochemicals.

This tie-up between ChBE and ETC is the second such collaborative arrangement for the Department this year (the other is our collaboration with Hyflux) and represents a paradigm shift in the way the Department seeks to approach our research activities, particularly research collaboration with local and international industries and research enterprises and in developing synergism between fundamental research and technology development. This tie-up is also in line with our effort to anchor ourselves in the Frontiers in Chemicals & Materials area, identified by A*STAR as a key in its TechScan exercise last year. In addition, as I mentioned a few months back when we announced the signing of our research agreement with Hyflux (under the direction of Prof Neal Chung), it is particularly satisfying to enter into partnerships with local companies, especially in areas that are critical to the economic and intellectual growth of Singapore and to Singapore's leadership globally.