The development of kinetic models for phosgene synthesis over heterogeneous catalysts

Phosgene is an important intermediate used in the industrial manufacture of polyurethanes, polycarbonates, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It is typically manufactured industrially via the gas phase reaction between carbon monoxide and chlorine over an activated carbon catalyst. The project, commencing in October 2020, will utilise a unique experimental facility that is housed in the School of Chemistry's Chemical Process Fundamentals Laboratory, which is designed to handle the hazardous reagents associated with the production of phosgene [1-3]. A major thrust of the workplan involves determining kinetic models for the synthesis of phosgene over a series of high surface area carbon-based catalysts. Product and reagent analysis will be undertaken using a combination of infrared spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Product selectivity will be monitored under a variety of reaction conditions in order to determine optimum operating arrangements for particular catalyst formulations. A secondary goal of the project will be to develop a series of characterisation parameters that can be used to define the surface structure and surface chemistry of the carbon catalysts. This will include the use of inelastic neutron scattering measurements [4], which will be undertaken at the ISIS Facility that is located at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory [5]. The student will be expected to occasionally spend time at the ISIS Facility (ca. 10 days per year). Collectively, the project will provide the student with a sound grounding in the development of industrially relevant heterogeneously catalysed reaction systems, as well as experience in modern catalyst characterisation techniques.