Categorical Constructions for Hopf Algebras

We prove that both the embedding of the category of Hopf algebras into that of bialgebras and the forgetful functor from the category of Hopf algebras to the category of algebras have right adjoints; in other words, every bialgebra has a Hopf coreflection, and on every algebra there exists a cofree Hopf algebra. In this way, we give an affirmative answer to a forty-years old problem posed by Sweedler. On the route, the coequalizers and the coproducts in the category of Hopf algebras are explicitly described.