$5.8M for renewable photocatalytic converter

The firm’s converter technology use renewable energy in the form of light to produce chemicals rather than using heat from burning fossil fuels, potentially revolutionising this process of chemical manufacturing and making the global trade more eco friendly.

Syzygy co-founder and CEO Trevor Best said: “With pioneering research combined with product development focus, we see a future where fuels, chemicals and fertilisers are produced more sustainably and at a lower cost than the status quo today.

“We have the potential for positive global impact in working with chemical and energy industry players and the people they serve by enhancing sustainability, improving accessibility, lowering cost, and enabling new business models.”

Syzygy developing photocatalysts reduce costs and carbon emissions in the production of chemicals that range in use from fuel, to fertiliser, to plastic.

Syzygy has been developing photocatalysts that are more active, stable and efficient in order to produce chemicals that range in use from fuel, to fertiliser, to plastic. The company aims to reduce costs and CO₂ emissions of chemical manufacturing globally without affecting product quality.

The Engine, The GOOSE Society of Texas and other smaller donors funded the company, whose specialist catalyst was developed at and licensed from Rice University.

Lydia Wilson