Developing sustainable chemical processes: Earth-abundant metal catalysts and light for activation of biomass-derived small molecules

Research: We will discover new reactions for organic synthesis using photocatalysis with Earth-abundant metals such as Cu and Fe and biomass-derived feedstocks. The work will be fundamentally lab-based and consist, in simple terms, of systematically exploring the influence of different variables on the reaction outcome, combined with mechanistic studies on the newly discovered reactions.

Importance: Catalytic activation of small molecules like H₂, CO and CO₂ among others is a critical technology for organic chemical industry. Reactions based on this are used for the preparation of complex, structurally diverse molecules essential for a range of uses, such as perfumes, drugs and components of user products (paints, cosmetics…). However, these technologies are frequently based on the use of feedstocks derived from fossil fuels and catalysts of scarce, expensive precious metals such as Rh, Ir, Pd or Pt. This results in very large carbon footprints, poor sustainability and vulnerability to geopolitical shifts affecting supply of the scarce metal catalysts.

Recent discoveries have opened opportunities for the development of Earth-abundant metal photocatalysis, using metals that are cheap, abundant and environmentally benign such as Cu and Fe, combined with light as a source of energy. In this project we will apply these principles to the activation of biomass-derived small molecules to discover new reactions leading to a carbon-neutral, sustainable and resilient chemical industry.

Training: The work will be predominantly experimental, combined with some computational chemistry for mechanistic studies. The student will learn general synthetic and analytical techniques as well as fundaments of photocatalysis, work under inert atmosphere and flow chemistry, as well as investigation of reaction mechanisms through electrochemical and spectroscopic studies, DFT modelling and reaction kinetics.

Environment: The student will join a vibrant and diverse team of researchers including MSc and PhD students, post-docs and academics within the newly created interdisciplinary ‘Centre for Functional and Organised Molecules’. The team identifies with the general topic ‘Disruptive technologies for synthesis’, with activity in areas such as photochemistry, electrochemistry, flow chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and artificial intelligence. We actively encourage collaboration, discussion and exchange of ideas. We value diversity and act to ensure every group member is valued and respected. 

Our labs are extremely well equipped, with a newly refurbished synthetic laboratory plus unfettered access to dedicated automatic flash chromatography instruments, GCMS, LCMS, 3D printer, flow equipment and a benchtop NMR in addition to the high field NMRs and rest of analytical equipment of the Centre as well as high performance computing facilities.