DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE CATALYSIS THROUGH INNOVATION AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Stockholms universitet - Institutionen för organisk kemi |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 000 000 |
| Project duration | December 2011 - August 2016 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The aim is to apply cutting-edge technology to increase the efficiency of metal-catalyzed reactions to maximize their efficiency and to minimize the impact on the environment. Catalysts synthesized by us at SU were tested with new technologies that facilitate and accelerate chemical reactions, simplify the process and minimize contamination. Their mode of action was studied by combining different advanced methods, so that new generations of more efficient catalysts were made. The ultimate goal was to minimize the gap between small-scale bench chemistry and industrial chemistry.
Expected long term effects
We prepared a family of excellent homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. The first type catalyze reactions to make carbon-nitrogen and carbon-halogen bonds at very mild conditions. In the area of heterogeneous catalysts we have made a family of catalysts based on metal complexes and metal nanoparticles immobilized onto metal-organic frameworks. These mediate reactions such as cross-couplings and halogenation of carbon-hydrogen bonds. The catalysts can be reused several times, and also be used in flow reactors, contributing to the atom-economy of chemical processes.
Approach and implementation
As visiting Prof at GU I investigated the mechanism of catalytic reactions with computational methods, leading to new efficient processes. I also visited the ICIQ, Spain, to learn new techniques, i.e. continuous-flow reactors, to handle heterogeneous catalysts. We currently use this technology in Stockholm. We also studied catalytic reactions by in situ XAS at European and American synchrotrons. The work resulted in >30 publications and >20 presentations. The interdisciplinary knowledge acquired allowed me to become full Professor and to obtain funding to continue the research.