Copper Catalyst Removal Technology

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerisation has several advantages in the industrial production of polymers
:

  • Little purification of the end product required

  • Low solvent use

The polymerisation reaction is usually mediated by a Cu(I) catalyst bound to a standard bidentate amine ligand.

Unfortunately, ATRP leaves a high residue of Cu species from the catalyst as contaminants in the end product. Existing filtration, ion exchange and other chemical methods of removing the catalyst residue are uneconomic or unwieldy.

Meridian has designed a magnetophoretic - dielectrophoretic filter that can extract the contaminating copper species in either a batch or a continuous production process environment. Auxiliary photophoresis may also be incorporated for greater efficiency. This filter promises extraction of very high levels of catalyst contaminant extremely cheaply, without the need for expensive ion exchange media or filters that will become clogged by the polymer. Continuous production is assured.

If you are interested in collaborative development with a view to licensing, entering joint test and development or acquiring an intellectual property position, please contact Meridian International Research.

 
 

Copyright © 2005 Meridian International Research
Last updated 21/03/06