• Seán Ottewell

    Ottewell Headshot 6390d3082af6e
    Editor-at-Large

    Seán Crevan Ottewell is Chemical Processing's Editor-at-Large. Seán earned his bachelor's of science degree in biochemistry at the University of Warwick and his master's in radiation biochemistry at the University of London. He served as Science Officer with the UK Department of Environment’s Chernobyl Monitoring Unit’s Food Science Radiation Unit, London. His editorial background includes assistant editor, news editor and then editor of The Chemical Engineer, the Institution of Chemical Engineers’ twice monthly technical journal. Prior to joining Chemical Processing in 2012 he was editor of European Chemical Engineer, European Process Engineer, International Power Engineer, and European Laboratory Scientist, with Setform Limited, London.

    He is based in East Mayo, Republic of Ireland, where he and his wife Suzi (a maths, biology and chemistry teacher) host guests from all over the world at their holiday cottage in East Mayo. 

    Hydrogen Activation Catalyst Harnesses Boron and Sodium

    Seán Ottewell
    March 21, 2025
    Researchers started with the concept of frustrated Lewis pairs, which are incredibly reactive and capable of activating bonds in normally stable molecules.

    The Next Kevlar? Polymer Research Shows Promise

    Seán Ottewell
    March 10, 2025
    As the iconic fiber turns 60, researchers develop chain-like structures that could lead to new industrial applications.

    What’s New in Gas Separation Membrane Developments?

    Seán Ottewell
    Feb. 26, 2025
    As companies invest in sustainable separation methods, membrane technology offers efficient gas separation solutions.

    From PFAS to Lead: Tracking Current and Historical Pollution

    Seán Ottewell
    Feb. 25, 2025
    Scientists trace industrial contamination from early civilization to present day, finding widespread effects from lead smelting to PFAS chemicals in the Arctic.

    Patented Prototype Uses Wind and Mesh to Make Ammonia

    Seán Ottewell
    Feb. 7, 2025
    Green ammonia represents a new frontier in sustainability and could reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

    Chemical Industry Eyes Hydrogen, Nuclear and Geothermal to Fuel Decarbonization

    Seán Ottewell
    Jan. 20, 2025
    With ambitious sustainability targets in sight, the chemical sector looks to hydrogen, modular nuclear and geothermal energy to transform production processes and reduce emissions...

    New Coating Takes Bite Out of Fatberg Problem

    Seán Ottewell
    Jan. 15, 2025
    Australian researchers develop self-healing sewer pipe treatment that could help cities slash millions in cleanup costs.

    ORNL Researchers Crack DRM Limitations

    Seán Ottewell
    Jan. 10, 2025
    New Oak Ridge National Laboratory catalyst enables efficient methane-to-syngas conversion without rapid deactivation.

    MIT Electrode Boosts CO2 Conversion

    Seán Ottewell
    Dec. 17, 2024
    Researchers say it’s the first work that has progressed into a much larger scale without sacrificing efficiency.

    Future-Proofing Chemical Engineering Education

    Seán Ottewell
    Dec. 16, 2024
    Innovative apprenticeship models bridge academic training and industrial expertise.

    How Many Worms Died While Tackling Plastic Pollution?

    Seán Ottewell
    Dec. 11, 2024
    The unintended consequences of plastic substitutes prove that testing in relevant environmental settings should be required before wide-scale adoption.

    Alkanes Activate – Form of a New Catalytic Method

    Seán Ottewell
    Nov. 29, 2024
    Researchers at Hokkaido University in Japan have developed a novel way to activate alkanes with high stereoselectivity.

    Second-Hand Process Plant Market Shifts Gears

    Seán Ottewell
    Nov. 27, 2024
    As manufacturers return production to their home markets, the used process equipment industry adapts with new opportunities and challenges.

    One-Pot Process Converts Aromatic Ketones to Aromatic Esters

    Seán Ottewell
    Nov. 25, 2024
    The one-pot process simplifies synthesis, reduces reaction times and minimizes the need for additional purification steps.

    Fertilizing Mrs. Newton’s Hedge and a World Cup Winner

    Seán Ottewell
    Nov. 13, 2024
    Nearly 60 years ago, England triumphed over Germany and a boy may have unknowingly fertilized a neighbor's shrub.

    Catalyzing the Circular Economy: Challenges and Opportunities

    Seán Ottewell
    Oct. 14, 2024
    As the chemical industry seeks sustainability, catalysts emerge as key drivers for biomass utilization, polymer recycling and pollution remediation.

    Leo Baekeland’s Aldehydes and the Toxic Smell of New Automobiles

    Seán Ottewell
    Oct. 11, 2024
    Explore Leo Baekeland’s impact on the auto industry and how that much-loved “new car smell” is actually a cocktail of volatile organic compounds . . . cue the headache now.

    Catalyst Boosts Conversion of Propane to Polypropylene

    Seán Ottewell
    Oct. 9, 2024
    New catalyst breakthrough could mean cheaper, greener polypropylene production.

    Chemical Industry Counters Terror Threats with Boundary Protection

    Seán Ottewell
    Sept. 24, 2024
    From AI-powered cameras to crash-proof gates, manufacturers deploy cutting-edge defenses as CFATS expires.

    Chemistry History Lesson: From Anti-Plague Elixirs to a Precious Nose That Wasn’t

    Seán Ottewell
    Sept. 6, 2024
    Danish scientist Tycho Brahe took many of his experiments to his grave. However, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have found clues that shed light on his mysterious...

    PFAS Battle Heats Up: Chemical Industry Races for Breakthrough Destruction Technologies

    Seán Ottewell
    Aug. 8, 2024
    As litigation mounts and regulations tighten, industry scrambles for PFAS alternatives and destruction technologies. New research reveals unexpected exposure risks, intensifying...

    Tandem Electrochemical Process Transforms CO2 into Acetate and Ethylene

    Seán Ottewell
    Aug. 6, 2024
    Two-step electrochemical process uses a kW scale electrolyzer to convert carbon dioxide into high-quality multi-carbon products.

    Ponder the Putrid History of Purple Dye

    Seán Ottewell
    Aug. 5, 2024
    The stinky process of making the royally sought-after purple dye involved mollusks subjected to biochemical, enzymatic and photochemical reactions — and possible sacrificial rituals...

    A Greener New Normal for Petrochemical Processes?

    Seán Ottewell
    July 9, 2024
    Electrically heated steam crackers, pyrolysis and biomass refineries are emerging as the innovative, sustainable processes poised to transform chemical process operations.

    Stable Molybdenum Carbide Catalyzes RWGS Reaction

    Seán Ottewell
    June 28, 2024
    Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a stable, inexpensive and scalable catalyst using household sugar for carbon dioxide reduction reactions.

    A Look Back: Reporting on the Chemical Industry in the 1990s

    Seán Ottewell
    June 26, 2024
    What does a rant from RAF, chicken droppings and adultery have to do with the chemical industry? Seán Ottewell shares some of the more interesting stories of his time as a chemical...

    Safety Lessons from the Great Molasses Flood of 1919

    Seán Ottewell
    June 7, 2024
    Discover the catastrophic events of the Great Molasses Flood, where engineering failures led to a deadly wave of syrup in Boston’s North End.

    Reworked Ammonia Process Meets Economic, Green Demands

    Seán Ottewell
    June 5, 2024
    University of Illinois Chicago researchers optimized the lithium-mediated ammonia synthesis process to improve its efficiency and selectivity.

    The High-Tech Battle Against Fugitive Emissions Takes Shape

    Seán Ottewell
    May 28, 2024
    How major players like Chevron, Wacker and Shell are using drones, robots and optimization systems to meet the challenge.

    Proton Exchange Membrane System Promotes Durable CO2 Conversion

    Seán Ottewell
    May 24, 2024
    A PEM electrolyzer optimizes conversion of hydrogen molecules into protons at the anode while directly converting CO2 to formic acid at the cathode.