Activator chemicals that work with hydrogen peroxide to replace chlorine bleaches. TAML™ (tetraamido-macrocyclic ligand activators) activators can be used to prepare wood pulp for papermaking and remove stains from laundry. This technology eliminates chlorinated byproducts from wastewater streams and saves energy and water. This process minimizes pollution by employing reagents and processes that mimic those found in nature. More specifically, Terry Collins developed activators with the natural oxidant hydrogen peroxide. The process is environmentally benign as TAML™ activators are iron-based and contain no toxic functional groups. Traditionally, the delignification of wood pulp relies on chlorine-based processes that produce chlorinated pollutants. TAML™ could potentially be used for water disinfection, where the activators would kill pathogens in the water sample and destroy themselves with a small excess of peroxide. This technology can decrease energy requirements, eliminate chlorinated organics from the waste stream, and decrease water use.
EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge: 2015 Greener Synthetic Pathways Award
Professor Terry Collins at Carnegie Mellon University