Novel high activity nanoparticles catalysts

The aim is to exploit a recent discovery concerning the production of a new high activity catalysts based on supported metal nanoparticles prepared by a sol immobilization method. The methodology uses a novel method for removal of stabilizers thereby gaining enhanced activity. Initial results show the new catalyst is highly active for CO oxidation whereas the untreated catalyst is completely inactive. This enhanced activity represents a step change in the manufacturing processes for these important catalysts and means that they can be considered to be commercially useful for the first time. Funding is requested to complete patent exemplification and to ensure commercial exploitation can be achieved.

The proposed research is aimed at optimizing and developing a new discovery relating to the manufacture of heterogeneous catalysts comprising nanoparticles of metals supported on a range of materials. Our initial discovery has shown that we make catalysts that are exceptionally more active than previously prepared materials. Heterogeneous catalysts are crucial for the operation of the chemical industry for the manufacture of both intermediates and finished products that impact at all levels of society, since catalysis underpins the manufacture of fuels (energy), pharmaceuticals (health), materials (clothing and building materials) and fertilizers (food). Industry constantly is on the lookout for new catalysts that can impact on the efficiency of these crucial projects. In recent years there has been immense interest in the manufacture of new catalysts based on the emerging field of nanoparticles. However, metal nanoparticles can only be prepared using organic surfactant stabilizers and their presence decreases the catalytic efficacy of the prepared nanoparticles. Herein has been the key problem that has stopped these potentially useful materials from being used commercially. They can only be used if the stabilizing molecules are removed, and previous attempts to achieve this (using thermal treatment) have been unsuccessful. Our new patented method that has been discovered as part of cutting edge research as part of the EPSRC funded project EP/E006345/1, DESIGNING GOLD CATALYSTS FOR THE UTILISATION OF BIO-RENEWABLE FEEDSTOCKS now provides a crucial breakthrough that will permit commercialization to be achieved. Consequently this important new class of catalytic materials has a huge market potential. The work in this follow on funded project will focus on two key aspects (1) supporting the patent application by providing the detailed patent exemplification, (2) ensuring commercial exploitation of the discovery by interaction with industry. The work will therefore have a major impact on the industrial sector, both in terms of companies that manufacture and supply heterogeneous catalysts as well as companies that use heterogeneous catalysts in the manufacture of fuels and chemical intermediates. Companies worldwide will be expected to either manufacture new catalysts or utilise the new catalysts to manufacture fuels, materials and chemical intermediates. The successful outcome of this research will enable a new way of making heterogeneous catalysts to be commercially realised.