Environmentally friendly Perspex production
We are developing catalysts which remove deadly carbon monoxide from confined environments to save lives.
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.
A commercially viable synthetic route to produce the phosphine ligand...without this early innovation the Alpha process may well not have become the unqualified success that it is.
The Alpha Process
In collaboration with Molecular Products, fundamental research on copper manganese oxide (Hopcalite) performed within the School established the complex relationships between the catalyststructure, 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.
Cost saving comparisons
The Alpha Process creates savings of up to 40% on operating costs, over the main competitor technologies.
Greener, more reliable and less costly
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. Our research has also resulted in the launch of devices suitable for use in safe havens in mines, providing the possibility for life support in case of accidents, The research allowed Molecular Products to expand sales into new global markets like China, increase sales and provide safer working environments for many people.