This project will develop new models, methods, and software tools for discovering and designing novel reaction networks and processes that are essential for transforming the US chemicals industry…

This $157,667 project grant awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Research Program (CFDA 66.509) will develop new models, methods, and software tools to enable greater sustainability and circularity in the U.S. chemicals industry. Key activities include creating an open-access model of the current U.S. chemicals industry, developing innovative methods for discovering novel circular chemical reaction networks, and designing frameworks for guiding the selection and optimization of more sustainable chemical processes.

The project will also engage with local communities to quantify the impacts of current and prospective chemical industries, and deliver educational presentations, focus groups, and training for community leaders on environmental topics. Expected outcomes include a chemicals industry model, novel methodologies, screening processes, and user-friendly software tools to promote sustainability. The intended beneficiaries are the chemicals manufacturing industry, affected communities, the general public, and environmental health decision-makers.

A $100,000 sub-award to Unlimited Potential will support the development and implementation of the community engagement and education activities.

This project will develop new models, methods, and software tools for discovering and designing novel reaction networks and processes that are essential for transforming the US chemicals industry toward greater sustainability and circularity.activities:specific activities include developing, I) an open-access model of the current US chemicals industry, II) innovative methods for discovering novel circular chemical reaction networks, III) approaches for engaging with local communities and quantifying impacts of current and prospective chemical industries at specific locations, IV) a framework for efficiently guiding the selection and design of better reaction networks and processes, and V) applications to industrially relevant products such as methanol and polyethylene and user-friendly software tools.subrecipient:the subaward to unlimited potential ($100,000) is to develop and implement educational presentations, focus groups, and train community leaders on environmental education.outcomes:anticipated deliverables and expected outcomes of this work include a model of the U.S. Chemicals production and manufacturing industry, novel methodology and framework for developing reaction networks, hierarchical screening processes, and user-friendly software tools that promote sustainability and circularity. Intended beneficiaries include the chemicals manufacturing industry, communities affected by environmental exposure to toxic chemical products, the general public, and environmental health decision-makers.