BNC Chosen for Middle East Nanotechnology Project

Bio Nano Consulting (BNC) is pleased to announce that it has been chosen to lead the UK arm of a collaboration with a major research institution in the Middle East in a multi-million pound environmental nanotechnology endeavour. The agreement, worth in excess of £2 million over two years for BNC and its London partners, will utilise the expertise of the London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN), a joint venture between Imperial College and University College London, on two important projects looking at the applications of nanotechnology to environmental issues: ‘nano-catalysts for wastewater treatment’ and ‘nano-catalysts for the synthesis of fine chemicals’.

Solar energy can be harnessed to effectively oxidise pollutants and facilitate the successful recycling of waste water. For this project, BNC will provide extensive knowledge of nano structure development in solar cells and nanometrology, to complement the in-house catalysis and characterisation expertise of its collaborator in the Middle East. BNC will also provide access to the nanotechnology facilities at the LCN for the development of

environmentally-friendly heterogeneous catalysts in the second project. Many current chemical synthesis processes rely on homogenous catalysts in the liquid phase; as a result, a lack of catalyst regeneration, side reactions and salt formation cause problems with effective waste disposal. The development of heterogeneous nano-catalysts could result in a reduced waste stream, facile separation and reuse of the catalyst.

“We are delighted to have secured such a fantastic opportunity to display our expertise in such a large contract” commented Dr David Sarphie, CEO of BNC. He continued, “It is great news that our world-class technology is being recognised and put to use in research that will be of such great benefit to the environment.”