Scientists at Rice University and the University of Minnesota have identified synthetic materials that may purify ethanol more efficiently and greatly improve the separation of long-chain hydrocarbons in petroleum refining.

In an era of depleting mineral oil resources natural gas is becoming ever more relevant, even though the gas is difficult to transport and not easily integrated in the existing industrial infrastructure.

New Jersey-based Rive Technology announced Jan. 13 that it’s opening a new R&D facility focused on commercializing new zeolite catalysts that would boost diesel and gasoline yields compared to conventional zeolites.