Abstract: In alignment with the national strategy for rejuvenating the country through science and education and strengthening the nation through talent development, Guangxi Normal University has actively implemented the “College Students’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Plan”. This paper presents a case study of an undergraduate team at Guangxi Normal University that independently researched and synthesized a novel porous nanocatalyst. They successfully employed this catalyst in a green and environmentally friendly process to synthesize high-purity p-methoxycinnamaldehyde from the natural plant extract anethole. The team participated in the “Internet Plus” innovation and entrepreneurship competition and the “Challenge Cup” extracurricular academic science and technology works competition. This paper outlines the project preparation, research and development process, and practical outcomes, with the aim of sharing the team’s experiences with other chemistry students to facilitate more efficient completion of research competition projects.

Key words: Anethole, Internet Plus, Challenge Cup, p-Methoxycinnamaldehyde, Nanocatalysis