Scaling up from bench-scale chemistry to continuous catalytic process using in situ magnetic resonance imaging

Heterogeneous catalysis using precious metal supported catalysts is used routinely across the fine chemical, pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. The chemical formulation of a given catalyst and its physical structure determine its catalytic performance. In particular, the catalyst needs to have good activity but, more importantly, high selectivity so that the production of side-products is minimised. The challenge is that while catalyst properties can be optimised at bench-scale in the development phase, the performance of the catalyst deteriorates when it is used under industrial process conditions. This is because the physical processes determining how chemical species move into and out of the catalyst, and indeed within the catalyst, change when the catalyst is used in the reactor environment and at industrial process conditions.

The aim of this project is to apply the new magnetic resonance imaging measurements developed in our group to spatially map chemical conversion and the rate at which molecules move with the catalyst and reactor and to use these data to understand how these factors influence the selectivity of the reaction. This level of understanding has the potential to transform our ability to design 'greener' and more efficient catalysts for industrial processes.