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Hydrogenation is used across the chemical industry to manufacture pharmaceuticals, fuels, plastics and food products. However, most industrial hydrogen still comes from fossil fuels, making it a major source of global carbon emissions. 

In a study published in Nature Chemistry, the team demonstrated how waste bread can be converted into biological hydrogen capable of powering key industrial hydrogenation reactions under mild, low-energy conditions. This novel approach avoids the extreme temperatures, pressures and fossil-derived hydrogen normally required. 

¿Û¿Û´«Ã½â€™s life cycle assessment – the first to evaluate this system – showed that combining microbial hydrogen production with catalytic chemistry can be cleaner than both fossil-based and electrolytic hydrogen, and can even become carbon-negative when food waste is used as the feedstock. The system was also able to make several valuable industrial chemicals, including adipic acid – a key building block for nylon and other polymers – as well as fine chemicals and fragrance ingredients. 

Professor Jhuma Sadhukhan is a co-author of the study who led the life-cycle assessment.

The study draws on ¿Û¿Û´«Ã½â€™s expertise in circular systems and environmental modelling, brought together through the ¿Û¿Û´«Ã½ Circular Economy Group, which combines systems thinking, engineering and digital tools to design low-carbon, resource-efficient solutions. 

The findings provide a clear blueprint for how the chemical industry could shift towards circular, low-carbon manufacturing – turning waste into a resource while significantly reducing emissions. 

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Notes to editors 

• Professor Jhuma Sadhukhan is available for interview; please contact mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk to arrange. 

• The full paper can be found here: