Sulfur might evoke matches, volcanic gases, or that yellow rock from chemistry class – but it’s far more powerful than you probably think. In this episode of SUBSTANCE, host Joe Hanson explores the surprising story of an element that has shaped human history for centuries and plays a crucial role in our modern life.

Joe hears from Andrew Szydlo, PhD, a legendary performance chemist and educator, who takes us on a wild ride through sulfur’s colorful past: from the alchemists who tried to turn it into gold to Chinese gunpowder and 19th century acid batteries – and what it has to do with our modern vehicles.

Marco Kennema, PhD, the Global Business Director for Oxidation Catalysts at BASF in Shanghai, tells about how his company has revolutionized the production of sulfuric acid with a 3D-printed catalyst. A formerly crazy idea that turned out to become a next level game changer…

More info about this episode: www.basf.com/substance-podcast

SUBSTANCE is a podcast by BASF; produced by TERRITORY Agency in collaboration with Wake Word and Joe Hanson. Research and scripting by Danielle Sedbrook, Claudia Doyle, Stefan Rommel and Joe Hanson.