Massimiliano ​“Max” Delferro is a chemist and group leader for the Catalysis Science Program in Argonne National Laboratory’s Chemical Sciences and Engineering (CSE) division, and he leads the development of upcycling methods for low-value plastic waste to create new products.

When he was young, Max didn’t like to work on homework, but in high school he met a terrific science teacher who forever changed his view on chemistry and physics. ​“The teacher was able to ​‘translate’ what we were learning from the textbook into real experiments,” Max said. ​“Viewing the chemistry and physics in action with my own eyes was incredible, and I wanted to see more.”

Inspired by his high school teacher, Max started to read and ask questions about chemistry phenomena. After earning a B.S. and Ph.D. in chemistry, he took up a postdoc position at Northwestern University, where he later became a research professor. Almost six years ago, he had the opportunity to work at Argonne as the Catalysis program’s group leader, which he eagerly accepted. ​“Coming to Argonne was the best decision of my life!” he emphasized.

The Catalysis [Research] Science Program is hard at work solving a pressing global issue: upcycling waste products. Currently, many recycling methods produce poor-quality plastics that people quickly use and discard. ​“If plastic demands follow current projections, global plastic waste volumes will increase from ~400 million tons per year in 2020 to ~460 million tons per year by 2030,” Max warned.

“Our new upcycling techniques in development, on the other hand, will turn the recycled plastic waste that would otherwise be trashed into useful products such as motor oils, detergents, and even cosmetics,” he said. ​“By reducing plastic pollution in the environment while also contributing to a circular economy, these new catalytic methods serve as a one-two punch for the future of our nation and world.”

When asked what he likes most about his role at the Lab, Max pointed to his team. ​“I love to work with super-talented people to try to solve big problems,” he said. ​“We need a diverse pool of skills and knowledge to address present and future scientific challenges. The long-term sustainability of our planet demands a major societal shift from a linear economy to a circular economy. That’s why I really appreciate the team I work with every day, as chemists, engineers, and physicists cooperate to discover world-changing solutions.”

Max therefore suggests that students pursuing STEM path should prepare themselves in multiple ways. ​“I advises our student to be critical thinkers, communicate with your peer, collaborate to achieve higher results, and be innovative. In the end, science is fun but it is also a business,” he said. ​“Also, enjoy your time at school. Life is full of unexpected events!”