Tianjin team develops greener propylene catalyst

Scientists from Tianjin University have developed a cheap, environmentally friendly catalyst for propylene — a raw material in plastics, fibers and pharmaceuticals — that could halve production costs.

The breakthrough, published on Friday in the journal Science, was led by the university's vice-president, Gong Jinlong.

"The new catalyst demonstrates exceptional propylene selectivity and stability," said Chen Sai, the first co-author of the study, from the university's School of Chemical Engineering and Technology.