Promethean Particles

Promethean Particles specializes in the development and large-scale manufacturing of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The company was founded in 2007 as a spin-out from the University of Nottingham, based on the research of Professor Ed Lester, who now serves as Chief Scientific Officer. Initially located at BioCity Nottingham, the company expanded and relocated in 2016 to its current site, which houses the world's largest continuous multi-material nanoparticle manufacturing plant. James Stephenson has been the CEO since 2020.

The firm's core business revolves around its proprietary and patented continuous-flow manufacturing process. This technology overcomes historical barriers of cost and scalability associated with traditional batch production, enabling MOFs to be produced more quickly, consistently, and cost-effectively. This process allows Promethean to manufacture MOFs at an industrial scale, with a reactor production rate of up to 1,000 tonnes per year. The business model includes direct material sales, collaborative development projects with industrial partners, and feasibility services to assess the viability of new or existing MOF structures for large-scale production. The company primarily serves clients in sectors requiring advanced material solutions for energy and environmental applications.

Promethean's main products are MOFs, which are highly porous crystal structures with vast surface areas ideal for capturing and storing small molecules. Key applications for these materials include carbon capture, biogas upgrading, atmospheric water harvesting, and gas storage and separation. The company is particularly focused on using MOFs to create more energy-efficient and cost-effective carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies compared to traditional methods. In August 2024, the company secured an £8 million Series A funding round led by Mercia Ventures and Aramco Ventures to expand manufacturing capacity and accelerate the commercialization of its MOF-based technologies.

Keywords: metal-organic frameworks, MOFs, industrial scale manufacturing, continuous flow synthesis, carbon capture technology, nanomaterials, advanced materials, biogas upgrading, gas separation, water harvesting, climate tech, hydrothermal synthesis, material science, chemical manufacturing, porous materials, specialty chemicals, energy transition, sustainability technology, nanoparticle dispersions, green hydrogen catalysis