Heterogeneous catalysts based on coordination polymers

Coordination polymers are a class of organic-inorganic hybrid materials where either metal ions or small metal based nano-clusters are linked together in a one-, two- or three dimensional network by multifunctional organic ligands. Highly crystalline, por ous structures can be obtained, which in many ways can be compared to Zeolites, but with a much larger possible diversity with respect to functionality. The functionality can either be built into to metal based nano-clusters or the organic linkers. In the present proposal the main objective is to prepare coordination polymers which contain catalytically active sites. Homogeneous catalysts which are employed in selected industrial processes will be attempted to be built into the frameworks of coordination polymers. This will result in heterogeneous versions of the catalysts. A significant simplification of these processes can be achieved if good, heterogenized catalysts can be developed. The new catalysts will be synthesized, characterized and tested for t he relevant catalytic reactions. The project is part of a strategic initiative in the Oslo region (UiO and SINTEF) on the preparation and possible uses of coordination polymers. The present project is a continuation of the 2005 KOSK project (165847/V30) a nd the NANOMAT project ?Hybrid Materials? (153869/431) that will end in December 2006. The project will be linked to the EU STREP project "Functional Metal Organic Frameworks as Heterogeneous Catalysts" (033335 MOFCAT) that is presently under contract neg otiations. The present project will complement and support the upcoming EU project.