Alternative solvents as sustainable solutions
by Dr Cameron Weber - Senior Lecturer, School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland
We’re kicking off Tech Tuesday this year by continuing with our theme of sustainability as a priority to our network, researchers, and Aotearoa New Zealand's future. Dr Cameron Weber, from the University of Auckland’s School of Chemical Sciences, will extend already lively discussions kickstarted by a number of our presenters last year: what else can we do to ensure a truly responsible manufacturing industry, at multiple levels?
Through his expertise in intermolecular interactions, Dr Weber will demonstrate how the smallest components matter in the grander scheme of manufacturing. His broad range of examples will cover how biological waste — from forests to shellfish — can result in the creation of high-value materials, or through solvents, can tackle the sometimes volatile, environmentally-hazardous manufacturing processes involving materials such as polyamides. Join us to find out how the small scale of solutions prepared in his lab – from ionic liquids, to deep eutectic solvents, and switchable solvents – can potentially affect our greening industries in a bigger way.
