We propose the development, both technical and commercial, of easy-to-use disposable test 'strips' and 'swabs' that are unique in combining specific, sensitive and rapid colorimetric detection of two classes of common toxic chemical. The technology base was established as part of a fundamental EPSRC funded study on the design of molecular sensor systems (GR/S98771/01). EPSRC Follow on Funds represent an ideal enabling opportunity to develop this work; as it stands the technology currently falls between 'blue-skies' basic research and a device that is potentially attractive to future substantial investment. It is our hope that the award of this grant would allow this gap to be bridged by enabling the construction of demonstration 'devices' and hence release future investment.

The aim is to exploit a recent discovery concerning the production of a new high activity catalyst for use in the production of organic carbonates. The methodology uses a new gold catalyst supported on an acidic support. Initial results show the new catalyst is over sixty times as active as the current equivalent commercial catalyst and retains complete specificity for the carbonate product. This enhanced activity represents a step change in the manufacturing processes for these important chemical building blocks. Funding is requested to complete patent exemplification and to ensure commercial exploitation can be achieved.

The aim is to exploit a recent discovery concerning a new catalytic route for methanol production based on using bio-renewable feedstocks as starting materials. This new process and associated catalysts has been protected by a patent filing. The key feature is that the process opens up a wholly new route for the manufacture of methanol which is a key commodity chemical. Funding is requested to complete patent exemplification and to ensure commercial exploitation can be achieved.