Growing Carbon Chains on Organometallic Networks

The chemistry of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) is deeply embedded in our future plans for energy production, chemical manufacturing and sustainable living. Remediation of CO2 has become a major topic of research in the last ten years and conversion of CO to hydrocarbons is already being applied on vast scales in industry. Catalysis underpins the development of this industry. COx-to-fuels, COx-to-molecules and COx-to-materials (x = 1 or 2) research is indispensable for the growth of the economy, improvement of quality of life, and regulation of gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

Arguably the most established technology operating in this landscape if Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) catalysis. The F-T process converts mixtures of CO and H2 into short to medium chain hydrocarbons. Recent research has focused on the use of CO2 rich gas streams. This reaction can be considered as a controlled polymerisation and hydrogenation of CO / CO2 to generate liquid fuels. Despite its advantages, F-T catalysis produces simple alkanes and alkenes, not complicated molecules. Carbon chain formation occurs alongside removal of the oxygen atoms, in the form of H2O, reducing complexity and value. F-T does not capitalise on the potential chemical intricacy that could be introduced when combining COx units to form chains.

In this project we will develop an entirely new approach to use CO and CO2 in chemical manufacture. We plan to exploit a remarkable recent finding from our labs (JACS, 2018, 13614): that carbon chains of 3 to 4 units of length can be grown from CO and CO2 on organometallic networks. We will develop underpinning science to discover the rules for chain growth. We will deliver new approaches to generate small carbon chains from CO and CO2 with control of size and shape. The new carbon chains will be exploited in synthesis as the major molecular component in the construction of complex organic molecules.

The long-term vision behind this project is the development of a modern approach in catalysis that is complementary to both F-T processes and CO2-to-materials research. One that builds molecular complexity from CO and CO2. This proposal describes a three-year project that represents the first steps from discovery toward this goal.

In the coming century the renewable sector has the potential to supplant the current chemical industry and allow society to break away from environmentally damaging resources. Key to the development of this industry will be effective ways to add value to CO2 or CO available as renewables. The pathway to impact begins in academia and flows through industrial engagement to industrial application and ultimately to the public.

The initial impact from this project will be based in academia. I have a track-record of influence in the academic sector. To date in my independent career, I have found new ways to re-use environmentally persistent fluorocarbons and developed new catalysts that exploit the cooperative behaviour of two or more metals in close proximity. My work has found a deep and lasting impact in UK science and beyond. For example, in 2017 my work was recognised with the Harrison-Meldola Prize - the most prestigious early career award from the Royal Society of Chemistry. In 2018, aspects of my research were highlighted in both Science and Chemistry World. There is no reason to believe that the output from this project will be any less influential.

In the long term, the findings can be expected to impact the chemistry industry. Chemical manufacture processes of relevance include the production of polymers, the manufacture of agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and fine-chemicals. The realisation of just one new route from CO2 or CO to a commercially relevant molecule or material would lead to a tangible economic impact for this project. Engagement with industry will occur through networks at Imperial such as the Pharmacat Consortium, Manufacturing Futures Lab, Energy Futures Lab, Agri-net and the Sustainable Gas Institute. Industrial impact will be further realised through participation in Eli Lily's open innovation programme. Public engagement will be achieved through outreach activities such as the Imperial College Festival.