Chemical Engineering Faculty Member Awarded Beckman Young Investigator Grant to Advance Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing

Introduction

Ezra Clark, Thomas K. Hepler Early Career Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Penn State College of Engineering, has been selected as a Beckman Young Investigator. This prestigious award grants $600,000 over four years to support Clark’s innovative research into unconventional chemical reactors aimed at enhancing sustainable manufacturing processes for plastics, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals.

Beckman Young Investigator Program and Selection

• The Beckman Young Investigator Program, funded by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, supports early-career faculty in chemical and life sciences.
• It fosters the invention of new methods, instruments, and materials to open new scientific research avenues.
• Clark was one of 10 investigators selected from approximately 300 applicants in 2025.

Research Focus and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Clark’s research group focuses on designing sustainable energy solutions using electrocatalysts that convert chemical and electrical energy forms. This work aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Developing innovative chemical reactors and catalysts.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Creating more efficient and environmentally friendly chemical manufacturing processes.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – Reducing the environmental impact of chemical industries through sustainable technologies.

Project Goals

The project titled “Enhancing the Activity of Selective Semi-Hydrogenation and Partial Oxidation Catalysts Using Thermo-Electrocatalytic Synergy” aims to:

• Explore unconventional methods for selective partial hydrogenation and oxidation reactions, crucial for producing plastics and pharmaceuticals.
• Improve reaction efficiency and selectivity by synergistically linking thermal catalysts with electrochemical pumping.
• Reduce environmental impact and improve economic viability of chemical manufacturing.

Role of Students in the Research

Graduate and undergraduate students will be integral to the project by:

• Designing and conducting experiments.
• Analyzing experimental data.
• Interpreting results and planning subsequent research steps.
• Gaining knowledge in chemical kinetics and practical skills in chemical reactor design and operation.

Practical Applications and Future Impact

The research targets key chemical reactions such as:

• Acetylene semi-hydrogenation to ethylene, important for polyethylene production.
• Ethylene partial oxidation to ethylene oxide, a versatile chemical precursor.

Potential benefits include:

• Development of greener, more efficient chemical synthesis strategies.
• Broad applicability across the chemical industry to promote sustainable manufacturing.
• Advancement toward environmentally benign chemical technologies, supporting SDG 12 and SDG 13.

While the technology is in early stages, the project is expected to make significant progress in assessing economic viability and environmental impact.

Conclusion

Ezra Clark’s Beckman Young Investigator award enables pioneering research that directly contributes to sustainable development by innovating chemical manufacturing processes. This work supports global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting responsible industry practices, reducing environmental footprints, and fostering scientific innovation.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses innovative chemical engineering research aimed at developing unconventional chemical reactors and electrocatalysts to improve manufacturing processes.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The focus on creating more sustainable and environmentally benign chemical manufacturing technologies aligns with responsible production practices.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Improving efficiency in chemical processes to reduce environmental impact contributes to climate action by potentially lowering emissions and resource use.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The involvement of graduate and undergraduate students in research and experimentation supports quality education and capacity building in science and engineering.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, and encourage innovation.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.4: Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education.
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP (indicator 9.5.1) – implied through the funding and research activities supported by the Beckman Young Investigator program.
   • Number of researchers per million inhabitants (indicator 9.5.2) – implied by the involvement of faculty and students in research.
2. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment (indicator 12.4.2) – implied through the goal to reduce environmental impact of chemical manufacturing.
   • Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP (indicator 12.2.1) – implied by improving efficiency and reducing waste in chemical processes.
3. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Greenhouse gas emissions per unit of value added (indicator 13.2.2) – implied by the aim to develop more efficient and less environmentally damaging chemical processes.
4. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months (indicator 4.3.1 and 4.4.1) – implied by student involvement in research and skill development.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.engr.psu.edu