Development of base-metal catalysed processes using electrochemical generation and recovery/recycle of catalysts

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Aims: This project will result in the development of novel base-metal catalysed processes using an industry 4.0 platform combining in-line analysis and algorithm control, with subsequent electrochemical removal of the metal from the product. Enhanced understanding and control of base-metal catalysis will enable a move away from precious metals, with electrochemical recovery/recycle allowing a more atom-efficient route to pharmaceutical and agrochemical products. Methodology:1. The integration and optimisation of in-line analysis within an electrochemical continuous flow platform for the synthesis and evaluation of base-metal catalysis. This will involve initial 'proof of concept' evaluation of the platform with established, readily-available catalysts or salts, progressing to industrially relevant catalysts. Following this, investigation of industrially relevant catalyst synthesis and subsequent evaluation in industrially-relevant processes will be undertaken. 2. The development of an in situ base-metal (catalyst) removal protocol. This will require the initial development with established electrochemical reaction waste and telescoping with the entire base-metal catalysed process. Subsequently, application of the developed protocol will be investigated with a range of base metals, leading to comparative studies with removal of precious metals (Pd/ Rd). There is the potential to apply this protocol to industrial waste streams during a placement with an industrial sponsor, pending discussion. 3. The development of an application-specific self-optimisation algorithm that can efficiently explore operating conditions of the electrochemical flow platform, to obtain the conditions that maximises the process' productivity, robustness and sustainability. This will involve development of existing algorithms via the incorporation of green metrics and catalyst metrics, expanding to discrete variable optimisation (e.g. solvents/ metal salts, process/ catalyst lifecycle analysis). Obtained data through these optimisations will be provided for reaction modelling to inform process control/ optimisation (e.g. for sites of metal, ligand binding/release on electrode; flow regimes within reactor). Impact:Industry-standard reaction screening platform - impact through potential uptake in industry, through journal publications and through the potential for others to come to Leeds to use the platform to screen reactions that are of interest to them. Enhanced understanding of base-metal catalysed processes - impact through industrial processes becoming more efficient and/or a move away from precious metals and through journal publications. Electrochemical recovery/recycle of metal catalysts - potential industrial impact through more efficient/lower cost removal of metals, more atom efficiency through recovery/reuse. Expected Deliverables:Integration and optimisation of in-line analysis within an electrochemical continuous flow platform for the synthesis and evaluation of base-metal catalysis. Electrochemical generation and screening of base-metal catalysts in a benchmark industrially relevant reaction to validate the platform. Electrochemical generation and screening of base-metal catalysts in more challenging industrially relevant reactions. Development of an in situ base-metal (catalyst) removal protocol. Development of an application-specific self-optimisation algorithm that can efficiently explore operating conditions of the electrochemical flow platform, to obtain the conditions that maximises the process' productivity, robustness and sustainability.