Novel Microbial Pd Catalysts from Waste for Sustainable Synthesis

Palladium (Pd) is a widely used catalyst in the modern chemical and pharmaceutical industries and is in short supply due to increasing global demand and supply chain pressures. Our recent studies have shown that the bacterium Desulfovibrio alaskensis can be used to recover Pd from waste for reuse as nanoparticle catalysts which work under energy-efficient manufacturing conditions. The Pd catalysts derived from the bacteria display enhanced chemical properties and can catalyze the formation of small molecules of use in the pharmaceutical industry. Here, we will (i) optimise the nanoparticles for this catalysis (ii) devise routes for their reuse and remanufacture so that the Pd can be continuously recovered and reused and (iii) expand the portfolio of reactions catalysed by the bacterially derived Pd and demonstrate catalysis with other metal nanoparticles.
This emerging biotechnology paves the way for the sustainable use of Pd, creating new circular pathways to improved Pd catalysts and replacing the current linear model of Pd catalyst use, which creates waste, is unsustainable and reliant on insecure supply chains.

Palladium catalysed reactions are ubiquitous throughout the modern chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Yet this vital metal is classified as a critical material based upon both its supply risk and economic importance. Our recent studies have shown that the bacterium Desulfovibrio alaskensis can be used to remediate Pd salts and generate nanoparticle catalysts that can be used in green chemical synthesis. These biogenic Pd catalysts display enhanced chemical properties and catalyse the formation of small molecules of use in the pharmaceutical industry. Here, we will (i) optimise the nanoparticles for this catalysis (ii) devise routes for their reuse and remanufacture so that the Pd stays within a closed loop system and (iii) expand the portfolio of reactions reportedly undertaken with biogenic Pd and demonstrate catalysis with other biogenic platinum group metal nanoparticles.
Resulting in:
- Access to unique bacterial catalysts, tailored to the needs of different reactions
- Novel highly active bimetallic nanoparticles, applicable at low catalyst loadings
- Discovery of heterogeneous catalyst deactivation mechanisms
- Circular economy of Pd stream and widely applicable Pd upcycling system
- A roadmap to develop marketable catalysts for pharmaceutical processes
In summary, this emerging biotechnology paves the way for the sustainable use of Pd, creating circular pathways to Pd catalysts that do not currently exist and replacing the current linear model of Pd catalyst use.