Most are betting on biology to convert carbohydrates into biofuels. Jim Dumesic thinks catalysis is the key
The United States is counting on biofuels to reduce reliance on imported petroleum and to cut carbon emissions from vehicles. But most cars won’t run on corn oil, so scientists must find ways to convert plant matter into practical fuels. Much hope–and hype–centers on harnessing microbes and enzymes to convert biomass to ethanol. But James Dumesic, a chemical engineer at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, is blazing another trail.
An expert in catalysis, Dumesic is searching for a philosopher’s stone to turn sugar water into fuels and higher value chemicals.