Professor Graham Hutchings
Graham Hutchings, a U.K. scientist whose work has reportedly helped cut the use of mercury in China’s chemical industries, is made an honorary professor of Tianjin University. Professor Hutchings, director of Cardiff Catalysis Institute, has been feted worldwide for his work on the acceleration of chemical reactions using catalysts. Hutchings’ research has reportedly led to a cleaner method for producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) using gold as a catalyst, rather than harmful mercury. A partnership with Johnson Matthey has allowed commercialization of Hutchings’ work in China – reportedly the world’s largest producer and consumer of PVC – helping to clean up rivers poisoned by the heavy metal, according to Cardiff University.Tianjin is China’s top university for chemical engineering. Founded in 1895 as Peiyang University, its history includes the development of China’s first aircraft engine and its first unmanned aerial vehicle.
Cardiff Catalysis Institute is dedicated to improving the understanding of catalysis, developing new catalytic processes with industry and promoting the use of catalysis as a sustainable 21st century technology. It is due to move to a new home on Cardiff Innovation Campus in 2020.
For more information, visit: www.cardiff.ac.uk