Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/F019114/1
Title:	The study of nanoporous cubic crystals derived from phthalocyanine.
Principal Investigator:	McKeown, Professor N
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Chemistry
Organisation:	Cardiff University
Scheme:	Standard Research
Starts:	01 June 2008	Ends:	31 May 2010	Value (£):	220,968
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Catalysis & Applied Catalysis Chemical Synthetic Methodology Energy - Conventional
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Manufacturing Chemicals
Related Grants:
Panel History:	Panel Date Panel Name Outcome 02 Jul 2007 Chemistry Prioritisation Panel (Science) Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
We have discovered that a simple derivative of phthalocyanine (2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octa(2',6'-di-iso-propylphenoxy)phthalocyanine) forms cubic crystals which contain interconnected, solvent-filled voids of 8 nm3 volume. The voids are defined by six phthalocyanines in a cubic arrangement with the metal ion of the macrocycle embedded at the centre of each face of the cube. The crystal structure allows unhindered access of small molecules (i.e. solvent and ligands) throughout the crystal so that it acts as a nanoporous material and it is possible to exert fine control over the coordination chemistry at the metal cations. The proposed programme of research involves realising the potential of this system in heterogeneous catalysis to perform biomimetic reactions of environmental relevance; in particular oxidation, dechlorination reactions and CO2 hydration. The possibility of using axial ligands to mimic the 'proximal' ligands found at the active site of enzymes may allow the reactivity and selectivity of the system to be enhanced. To test the potential of the various cubic structures, standard oxidation and dechlorination reactions will be carried out with systematic variations of metal cation, included solvent and proximal ligand. We will also assess the carbonic anhydrase-like activity of the zinc-containing crystals for the hydration of CO2 which is of relevance to sequestration technology.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.cf.ac.uk