Supplying clean air to save lives
We are developing catalysts which remove deadly carbon monoxide from confined environments.
The build up of toxic carbon monoxide in confined inhabited environments, such as submarines, space exploration, deep-sea diving and mining can have critical consequences.
A solution is to convert the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide using a catalyst. However, these catalysts must be highly active and stable as many lives depend on their prolonged effective operation.
The collaboration between Molecular Products and Cardiff has been essential in creating new products, increasing sales, expanding into new markets and has created new jobs.
Our solution
In collaboration with Molecular Products, we carried out fundamental research on copper manganese oxide (Hopcalite). We established the complex relationships between the catalyst structure, activity and the preparation parameters, identifying ways of making better catalysts.
This discovery was used by Molecular Products to manufacture more robust and active commercial Hopcalite catalysts.
Safe havens for miners
Our research has helped launch devices suitable for use in mine safe havens, providing the possibility for life support in case of accidents.
Our impact
These catalysts are now used daily and many lives depend on them. Molecular products supply many navies, including the UK, Australia, Canada, US, France, India and Singapore.
The research allowed Molecular Products to expand sales into new global markets like China, increase sales and provide safer working environments for many people.