How do chemical reactions proceed so efficiently? The majority of products are not produced just by adding reactants together. Most processes require a catalyst to get things started. Let's talk about what catalysts are and how they change the reaction conditions to make it possible to complete. Also, since catalysts are so widely used, they are involved in many research studies looking into how we can be a more sustainable society. Let's talk about how carbon containing materials can be upcycled into useful products. Image of tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) chloride powder catalyst from Wikipedia.

• Polyethylene with enhanced adhesive properties
  
• Converting single-use polyethylene to liquid alkanes
  
• Converting carbon dioxide into jet fuel
  
• Utilizing sugary drinks in alkaline fuel cells
  
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