Nanoscale magnets separate catalysts

Scientists are using magnetic nanoparticles to separate and reuse catalysts from multi-step chemical reactions carried out in a single vessel.

By combining the new magnetic separation process with traditional gravity-driven separation, the technique could lead to more efficient production of specialty chemicals and a reduction in waste normally produced by separation processes.

"We have developed a way to do multiple reactions in a single vessel while being able to recover the catalysts in pure form for reuse," said Christopher W. Jones, an associate professor in the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. "By doing the reactions in a single vessel, we can cut out two or three separation steps to provide both an economic advantage and an environmentally benign process."