[news 2007-2008]

Queen’s discovery joins list of Canada’s chemical breakthroughs of the past 100 years

“Green” technology offers clean alternative for oil recovery, manufacturing processes

May 29, 2008

KINGSTON, ON -- Research into a “green” chemical method for separating oil and water by Dr. Philip Jessop of Queen’s University’s Department of Chemistry and his research team has been highlighted by the Canadian Chemical News as one of the “Canadian Chemical Discoveries” of the past 100 years.

Dr. Jessop’s reversible method of separating oil and water uses carbon dioxide and air to quickly activate or de-activate the emulsion process. This method has potential as an environmentally safe alternative to existing oil recovery and manufacturing processes, which produce large quantities of toxic byproducts.

His work was one of one of 20 chemical breakthroughs – eight of them Nobel Prize winners -- listed in CCN’s May, 2008 issue. Other notable researchers in the list included Drs. Frederick Banting, Gerhard Herzberg, John Polanyi and Michael Smith.

Dr. Jessop’s discovery is being commercialized by PARTEQ Innovations, the technology transfer office of Queen’s University. Dr. Jessop is Canada Research Chair of Green Chemistry at Queen’s University and an Ontario Centres of Excellence Champion of Innovation.

Contact:
Dr. Rui Resendes
Director of Commercial Development, Chemistry and Materials
PARTEQ Innovations
P: 613. 533. 6000 xt 79175
E: rresendes@parteqinnovations.com