Well-defined Metal-organic Framework (MOF) Based Catalysts for the Direct Utilisation of CO2
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Department Name: Sch of Chemistry
Abstract
This project will address the fundamental challenges associated with the use of CO2 in the production of cyclic carbonates or polycarbonates by the coupling reaction with epoxides. Polycarbonates have potential applications as environmentally friendly packaging materials, as well as in the synthesis of engineering thermoplastics and resins, while cyclic carbonates are used as electrolytes in lithium batteries. The catalytic utilisation of CO2 in this fashion is a safer, greener route to carbonates than current industrial methods, where the use of inherently toxic phosgene is largely prevalent. Using photonic fibres to anchor catalytic active sites will afford a greater degree of site isolation and enhanced surface properties for maximising CO2 storage and subsequent utilisation.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Robert Raja (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Daniel Stewart (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509747/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1990671 | Studentship | EP/N509747/1 | 01/10/2016 | 22/04/2020 | Daniel Stewart |
| Description | Through this award we have demonstrated examples of recyclable metal-organic framework-based catalysts that are capable of producing poly- or cyclic- carbonate based products from carbon dioxide and epoxides under much milder conditions than those currently explored in the literature. The catalysts provide products with a very high percentage of carbonate linkages, exhibiting the MOF's ability to insert CO2 efficiently - an important step in the development of carbon capture utilisation technologies. Through the use of complementary in situ characterisation techniques, combined with computational calculations, we have provided key mechanistic insight into the possible pathway by which the catalysts are able to provide such superior catalysis, without the use of co-catalysts. We have provided processes by which these catalysts can be further improved through a surface-engineering and mixed-metal doping techniques. |
| Exploitation Route | This body of work has facilitated proof of concept studies leading to verification of fundamental theories in catalyst design and process implementation at the laboratory scale in CO2 utilisation technology. It further verified our hypothesis on the mechanism and mode of action of the catalyst using operando characterisation, and demonstrated fundamental catalytic concepts which can be manipulated to enhance the activity of surface-engineered catalysts for the copolymerisation of epoxides and CO2. These concepts can be taken forward and applied to other systems which show potential for CO2 utilisation. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Energy |
| URL | https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/cgi/search/archive/advanced?screen=Search&dataset=archive&documents_merge=ALL&documents=&eprintid=&title_merge=ALL&title=&contributors_name_merge=ALL&contributors_name=Daniel+Stewart&abstract_merge=ALL&abstract=&date=&keywords_merge=ALL&keywords=&divisions=c9253752-dea2-4aad-a3b4-b492c6f1a38b&divisions_merge=ANY&refereed=EITHER&publication%2Fseries_name_merge=ALL&publication%2Fseries_name=&documents.date_embargo=&lastmod=&pure_uuid=&contributors_id=&satisfyall=ALL |
| Title | An Invention for the use of a modulated hybrid catalyst for the conversion of CO2 to polycarbonates |
| Description | A modulated, hybrid catalyst that facilitates the ring opening copolymerisation of CO2 with epoxides and other cyclic monomers to produce polycarbonate materials. |
| IP Reference | PCT/GB2019/053596 |
| Protection | Patent application published |
| Year Protection Granted | 2019 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | The discovery has founded the application for funding in order to further develop the IP towards commercialisation. |