Designing a Pamphlet on Green Catalysis
Honors Capstone Project
1
Advisor(s)
Dr. Christopher Spiese and Dr. Brian Myers
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Paper
Start Date
8-4-2025 4:00 PM
End Date
8-4-2025 4:15 PM
Abstract
Polymers have become an integral part of everyday life; they are present in clothes, furniture, cars, electronics, and so much more. However, their synthesis often involves harmful materials such as transition metal catalysts. Transition metal catalysis is the industry standard for efficient polymer synthesis, but the use of these chemicals often requires harsh conditions and materials that can be harmful to the environment and human health. To alleviate this problem, multiple innovations have been made to adjust the process of transition metal catalysis with the goal of incorporating these changes on an industrial level. Additionally, advancements in bioengineering allow for biocompatible enzyme complexes to be synthesized and used as a green alternative to traditional catalysts. However, biocatalysis is still an emerging field, and developing these catalysts has many pitfalls including the amount of time and money it requires to develop a catalyst specific to a single reaction. The future of biocatalysis relies on streamlining the development process to address industrial goals. To deliver information about the pros and cons of different catalysis methods, it is important to understand science communication principles and how to develop effective communication materials. The basic principles of pamphlet design and science communication can then be applied to create an easily accessible educational resource about a hot topic within the science community and share it with the general public.
Recommended Citation
Bouillon, Summer C., "Designing a Pamphlet on Green Catalysis" (2025). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 10.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2025/Papers/10
Open Access
Available to all.
Designing a Pamphlet on Green Catalysis
Polymers have become an integral part of everyday life; they are present in clothes, furniture, cars, electronics, and so much more. However, their synthesis often involves harmful materials such as transition metal catalysts. Transition metal catalysis is the industry standard for efficient polymer synthesis, but the use of these chemicals often requires harsh conditions and materials that can be harmful to the environment and human health. To alleviate this problem, multiple innovations have been made to adjust the process of transition metal catalysis with the goal of incorporating these changes on an industrial level. Additionally, advancements in bioengineering allow for biocompatible enzyme complexes to be synthesized and used as a green alternative to traditional catalysts. However, biocatalysis is still an emerging field, and developing these catalysts has many pitfalls including the amount of time and money it requires to develop a catalyst specific to a single reaction. The future of biocatalysis relies on streamlining the development process to address industrial goals. To deliver information about the pros and cons of different catalysis methods, it is important to understand science communication principles and how to develop effective communication materials. The basic principles of pamphlet design and science communication can then be applied to create an easily accessible educational resource about a hot topic within the science community and share it with the general public.