Molecular sponge absorbs toxins, produces biofuel

The Western Producer
Posted May. 29th, 2012 by William DeKay


Lee Wilson thinks he has found a cost effective way to help produce biofuel using wheat straw.


In a lab at the University of Saskatchewan, the chemist and his team of graduate students have developed various types of what Wilson terms “molecular sponges.” 


Some sponges are designed to take specific impurities out of water, such as pesticides. Others can remove toxins from water used in the oilsands.


Still another sponge separates ethanol and water to make cellulosic ethanol.


“It’s a game changer for parts of the agro economy,” he said.


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