Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

In this project, a novel, inherently green synthesis process will be used to produce a multifunctional heterogeneous nanocomposite catalyst to for use in two or more tandem reactions. The tandem catalysts nanocomposites will incorporate precious metal nanoparticles and strong acid polymers embedded in a porous metal oxide support. The synthesis process that is proposed for producing the nanocomposite catalysts provides unparalleled control over catalyst activity by using a simple and straightforward method to independently vary the three components. The precious metal nanoparticles will be used to catalyze hydrogenation while the strong acid polymers will be used to sequentially catalyze hydroxylalkylation in tandem. The specific applications that will be targeted include hydroxylalkylation of isoamylenes to produce tertiary amyl methyl ether (TAME). This project is spaced out over a period of three years. In year one, work will revolve around the synthesis and characterization of targeted nanocomposite systems. Physical and/or chemical markers will be identified as a screening tool in the synthesis process. In year two, the catalytic activity, selectivity, and overall performance of the nanocomposite systems will be evaluated through two model reactions, including: 1) Hydrogenation of cyclohexene by precious metal nanoparticles; and 2) Hydroxylalkylation of phenols to produce bisphenols by polymeric solid acid catalysts. In year three, nanocomposites will be synthesized for carrying out tandem catalytic reactions. The merits of the novel catalyst system as an enabling technology for green chemistry will also be demonstrated using hydroxylalkylation of isoamylenes to produce tertiary amyl methyl ether (TAME) as an industrially significant application. These multifunctional catalyst systems are expected to be more efficient, cost effective, and environmentally friendly, thus making significant contributions to the advancement of green chemistry, and providing a made-in-Ontario solution to a global problem. The synthesis process under investigation in this project is a disruptive technology that will significantly benefit Canada's ability to compete in a global catalyst market expected to be worth $16.5 billion by 2012.