New cleaner way to greenify petrol

Scientists from Norwegian research centre, SINTEF, have been working with the Indian Institute of Petroleum to develop greener ways to reduce sulphur levels in petrol.

After five years of research, the two institutions have hit upon a solution that they consider worth patenting.

Sulphur is one of the most environmentally damaging pollutants in petrol, causing acid rain and smog.

It is currently removed using a method called hydrotreating, which is energy-intensive, expensive, and produces high levels of CO2 emissions.

The newly discovered process removes sulphur using custom made porous materials, with no harmful chemical reaction occuring during the process.

Researchers are optimistic that the small scale experiment will translate to large scale oil refineries.

However, more work needs to be done before the technology is ready for industrial use.