Development of novel hydrogel/metal nanoparticles catalytic monoliths via a green hydrothermal process: towards the synthesis of high added value fine chemicals in continuous-flow conditions.

The proposed research project falls within what is called process intensification (PI). PI consists in novel devices and techniques that bring striking changes to chemical engineering processes by significantly decreasing the equipment’s size to production ratio, energy consumption and waste production, which result in smaller, cheaper, cleaner and more efficient technologies. Catalytic nanoparticles, with a high surface-to-volume ratio, are highly considered materials for these types of application. A recent research program in Prof. Nick Virgilio’s group has led to the development of novel hybrid hydrogel/nanoparticles material prepared from melt-processed polymer blends – a scalable process. This material comprises a porous hydrogel monolith with fully interconnected pores, with embedded catalytic nanoparticles. The unique microstructure of our material ensures fast diffusion and reaction rate of chemical compounds, an easy separation process, and the possibility of integration within continuous-flow systems, for the synthesis of high added value chemicals (e.g. pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals industries). In this specific research project, we will explore and investigate the impacts of hydrothermal conditions, a promising green route for chemistry, on material synthesis and performance. Ultimately, this project will lead to the development of greener high performance materials for fine chemicals synthesis applications.

Faculty Supervisor:

Nick Virgilio

Student:

Partner:

Technische Universität Wien

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Nanotechnology; Sustainability & the Environment; Pharmaceuticals

University:

École Polytechnique de Montréal

Program: