Investigating activation pathways of industry-critical Pd cross coupling pre-catalysts
Johnson Matthey(JM) is a global leader in platinum group metals (PGMs), with over 200 years of expertise in catalytic technologies. The company applies its deep knowledge of PGM chemistry to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from improving air quality to supporting more sustainable chemical manufacturing.
Johnson Matthey has partnered with the PINZ CDT on a project focused on improving the efficiency, robustness, and sustainability of processes that rely on homogeneous palladium pre-catalysts.
Based at the University of York, PhD researcher Ben Chapman, under the supervision of Professor Ian Fairlamb, is exploring chemical synthesis, pre-catalyst screening (supported by high-throughput experimentation and data analysis), and mechanistic studies of Pd-catalysed cross-coupling reactions.
Paula Chirila, Research Scientist at Johnson Matthey, explains more about the collaboration and its strategic importance.
What was the background to the project?
Cross-coupling reactions such as Suzuki–Miyaura and Buchwald–Hartwig are fundamental to the manufacture of high-value chemicals, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. At Johnson Matthey, we are particularly interested in understanding how palladium pre-catalysts perform under industrially relevant conditions.
A key challenge is the activation of these pre-catalysts into their catalytically active forms. By gaining a deeper mechanistic understanding of these activation pathways, we can better design next-generation catalyst systems that are more efficient, selective, and robust.
This project aims to generate that understanding and ultimately support the development of improved cross-coupling technologies with reduced precious metal usage, lower waste, and enhanced process efficiency.
Why did Johnson Matthey choose to engage with the PINZ CDT?
Johnson Matthey has an established collaboration with Professor Ian Fairlamb and the University of York, and this opportunity through the PINZ CDT provided a natural extension of that relationship.
The CDT model offers a strong platform for bringing together academic insight with industrial application. It allows us to access cutting-edge research while ensuring the work remains aligned with real-world challenges and industrial needs.
The focus of the PINZ CDT on sustainability aligns closely with Johnson Matthey’s strategic priorities, including our commitment to supporting the transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon economy, as reflected in key UN Sustainable Development Goals such as good health and well-being (SDG 3), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13).
How are the University of York’s facilities contributing to the project?
The collaboration combines complementary strengths. At Johnson Matthey, we bring expertise in PGM catalyst design, scale-up considerations, and industrial requirements. At the University
of York, Professor Fairlamb’s group brings strong expertise in mechanistic understanding and catalysis.
The university’s facilities play a key role in enabling the research. They are well equipped and shown themselves to be experts at the key technologies that will govern organic chemistry as well as organometallic chemistry. These include advanced spectroscopic capabilities (such as NMR), single-crystal X-ray diffraction for structural characterisation, and high-throughput experimentation platforms
How will a student benefit from undertaking a PhD through the PINZ CDT?
PINZ CDT offers a greater insight into both academia and industry, which gives the student a broader view of the life of a scientist in the academic and industry environments. In addition to core scientific training, the programme offers exposure to areas such as green chemistry, sustainability, and digitalisation.
Below: PINZ CDT PhD Researcher, Ben Chapman
