About PhosphonicS
Innovating advanced technologies for a sustainable metals future
PhosphonicS develops proprietary functionalised silica technologies that remove impurities, improve product quality and recover valuable metals from process and waste streams. Our materials are engineered to perform where conventional technologies struggle, delivering exceptional recovery and selectivity at the trace levels where the final parts per million make the greatest commercial difference. With particular selectivity for Platinum Group Metals, we help customers across pharmaceuticals, mining, refining and manufacturing recover more value from every stream.
Our Story
Two decades of precision chemistry
Founded in 2003 as a spin-out from Queen Mary University of London, PhosphonicS was established to commercialise innovative functionalised silica technologies for metal removal and recovery. What began as a research-led venture has evolved into a trusted partner for organisations tackling complex metal speciation and purification challenges across the pharmaceutical, chemical, mining and recycling industries.
Throughout this journey, the driving force behind PhosphonicS has remained constant: to develop solutions in the recovery of platinum group metals (PGMs) down to the final ppm and even ppb levels, and improve the sustainability metrics associated with the use of these metals.
Over the years, we have built deep expertise in precious metal recovery, catalyst removal and metal purification. Through continuous investment in our proprietary scavenger technologies, laboratory capabilities and engineering know-how, we help customers move from initial feasibility studies through process optimisation and scale-up with confidence.
Today, PhosphonicS is recognised globally for its patented scavenger technologies and technical expertise, helping customers maximise recovery, meet stringent purity specifications and improve process sustainability when the final ppm makes all the difference. Our solutions have been successfully deployed across a diverse range of industries including pharmaceuticals, mining, petrochemicals, electronics manufacturing and the refiners of silver, copper, lead and chrome.
Sustainability
Sustainability Through Recovery
Precious metals are among the world's most valuable and energy-intensive resources. Every gram recovered is a gram that does not need to be replaced through additional extraction, refining or processing. While mature recycling technologies exist for the recovery of PGMs, far less attention has historically been given to trace metal losses in liquid process streams, at the ppm and ppb level.
At PhosphonicS, sustainability is driven by recovery. Our proprietary scavenger technologies help customers recover PGMs and gold from process streams, waste streams and end-of-life materials that would otherwise be lost. By recovering the final parts per million of value, we help improve resource efficiency, reduce waste and support more circular manufacturing practices.
By recovering PGMs that would otherwise be discarded, our technology reduces reliance on virgin metal production, maximises the value extracted from finite resources and contributes to a more sustainable metals industry.
The Science
How scavenging works
When a process stream containing dissolved metals contacts a PhosphonicS scavenger, the ligands on the silica surface selectively interact with the target metal species and bind them to the scavenger. The metal is retained on the material while the treated stream continues through the process.
Our scavengers are designed to exhibit a strong affinity for PGMs, allowing them to remove residual metal concentrations that conventional treatment technologies often leave behind, while preserving the integrity of the process stream.
Ligand Binding
Functional groups on the silica surface form coordinate bonds with target metal ions, capturing them from the stream.
High Selectivity
The ligand chemistry is designed to prefer platinum group metals over base metals and common process chemicals.
No Product Loss
The scavenger interacts with the metal, not the product. Your API, extract, or chemical passes through with full yield and purity.
STREAM IN
Metal ions + product in solution
SCAVENGER BED
Ligands capture and bind metal ions
Product passes through unaffected
STREAM OUT
Product at specification. Metal retained.
What We Do
From laboratory screening to full-scale plant design
We provide expert advice on the best solution to your particular challenge, whether it is purifying high-performing products, recovering value from spent process streams, or remediating a waste stream. Our support spans the full lifecycle of your process.
Technical Advice
Expert guidance on the optimum scavenger for your specific challenge, including metal type, process chemistry, solvent system, and scale requirements.
Laboratory Testing
Customised laboratory screening services using your actual process stream. Real data, not theoretical predictions.
Process Optimisation
Detailed advice on processing parameters (pH, dosing, contact time, temperature, and flow conditions) to maximise performance at your operating scale.
Engineering Services
Pilot and full-scale plant design and installation support. From process model to operating plant, our engineers work alongside your team.
Industries Served
Metal recovery and purification across industries
Chemical Manufacturing
Catalyst metal removal and recovery in fine and bulk chemical processes.
Ready to find your solution?
Whether you have a specific challenge in mind or want to understand what is possible with your process stream, we are ready to help.