Md “Arif” Arifuzzaman is the founder of Re-Du with more than 10 years of experience in synthetic chemistry, with a major focus on catalyst development and optimization, polymer deconstruction, polymer upcycling, novel recyclable polymers, and more. He and his team developed an exceptionally efficient organocatalyst that can readily deconstruct various condensation polymers and their vast array of mixed plastic wastes into valuable chemicals. He furthered his knowledge on commercialization of his technology by participating in the DOE’s Energy I-Corps program and ORNL’s I-Corps Lite. Both programs assisted him in developing a strategy for taking his idea and technology to market. Arif’s research has resulted in 20 peer-reviewed articles, a submitted nonprovisional international patent on mixed plastic deconstruction, a graduate research excellence award. Arif received his PhD in organic chemistry from Iowa State University and an MS from Tennessee State University.
Represented Organization
Re-Du
Key Innovation
Re-Du provides groundbreaking recycling solutions, including the chemical deconstruction of mixed plastics into valuable raw materials. The technology enables the efficient and effective repurposing of currently non-recyclable mixed plastic wastes, reducing the need for fossil fuels.
ORNL Principal Investigator
- Tomonori Saito - Synthetic Polymer Chemist, Physical Sciences Directorate