Led by Salvador Eslava (Imperial College London)
This project addresses one of the central scientific challenges underpinning Net Zero: the sustainable formation of C–C bonds for fuels, materials and fine chemicals.
Conventional C–C coupling methods often rely on precious metals, high temperatures and energy-intensive conditions. In contrast, this project develops visible-light-driven photocatalytic routes using chalcogenide semiconductors (e.g. CdS) functionalised with earth-abundant co-catalysts such as metal phosphides. Using methanol-to-ethylene glycol conversion as a model system, the team aims to establish general design principles for selective, scalable, light-driven C–C bond formation under mild conditions. By leveraging CO2-derived methanol as a renewable feedstock, the work directly supports the transition to a low-carbon chemical industry and aligns strongly with the Hub’s Net Zero theme.
The project blends catalyst design, photocatalysis and advanced operando characterisation, combining expertise across Imperial, Heriot-Watt, Queen Mary University of London, and Diamond Light Source, alongside strong industrial engagement from BASF. Operando mass spectrometry, soft X-ray spectroscopy and DRIFTS at Harwell will probe transient intermediates and semiconductor–co-catalyst interfaces in real time, enabling structure–function relationships to be established. BASF’s involvement ensures that the research remains aligned with scalable chemical manufacturing. By integrating materials innovation with mechanistic insight and industry input, this timely and novel project aims to seed a new platform for sustainable, light-driven C–C coupling technologies, strengthening UK leadership in green chemical manufacturing.
