Developing conjugated photocatalytic polymer nanostructures for sustainable chemical organic synthesis

Light is a powerful and abundant energy source that can drive chemical reactions. Photocatalysts absorb photons and use this energy to accelerate chemical reactions more sustainably. Therefore, these materials have been targeted to help achieve net-zero goals.

Different photocatalytic systems have been developed and implemented in synthetic chemistry to induce redox reactions. Of these, organic dye molecules (e.g., eosin Y and rose bengal) and transition metal complexes (e.g., Ru(bpy)3) have been widely reported as effective homogeneous photocatalytic systems. These small-molecule photocatalysts are often intrinsically efficient but suffer from poor photostability, solubility, and/or recyclability. This significantly limits their applicability, sustainability, and catalytic efficiency. Alternatives are, therefore, desperately needed.

Recently, heterogeneous photocatalysts have been developed. These are typically designed to have enhanced photostability and increased reusability compared to small molecule equivalents. In the Ferguson group, we aim to create the next generation of photocatalytic polymers. Specifically, we investigate the generation of photocatalytic vinyl-based polymers [1-3] and photocatalytic conjugated networks [4,5]. Here, we have investigated creating recoverable and reuseable photocatalysts, enabling photocatalytic reactions in green solvents, and developing more active and efficient photocatalysts.

This PhD project will produce the next generation of photocatalytic conjugated polymers, increasing the performance and sustainability of photocatalysts to enable efficient bond formation reactions. Photocatalytic conjugated polymers are one class of heterogeneous photocatalysts that have revolutionised organic synthesis, enabling a range of complex chemical reactions to proceed. However, the performance of photocatalysts is currently limited by the fast recombination rate of photogenerated excitons due to their limited mobility. To address this, we will create linear photoactive conjugated polymers that can be self-assembled into nano-assemblies with unique photophysical properties—combining materials polymer science with synthetic organic chemistry to create active photocatalysts.

The School of Chemistry is keen to achieve a gender and diversity balance across the School and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Interested candidates should contact Dr Ferguson by email ([email protected]) in the first instance with a copy of their CV and a cover letter outlining their research interests. Applicants should have obtained (or be expected to achieve) a strong Master’s degree in chemistry or a related discipline. There is no closing date, but please apply as soon as possible since the position will be filled as soon as the right candidate is found. The applicant is expected to be in the position by October 2025.

Funding notes:

Unfortunately due to funding restrictions this position is only open to UK applicants.

References:

[1] Li, R. Kuckhoff, T. Heuer, J. Landfester, K. and Ferguson, C. T. J., (2023), pH‐Triggered Recovery of Organic Polymer Photocatalytic Particles for the Production of High Value Compounds and Enhanced Recyclability, Angewandte Chemie 62, e202217652. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.20221765 

[2] Heuer, J. Kuckhoff, T. Li, R. Landfester, K. and Ferguson, C. T. J. (2023), Tunable Photocatalytic Selectivity by Altering the Active Center Microenvironment of an Organic Polymer Photocatalyst, ACS Applied Materials and Interface Science, 15, 2, 2891–2900. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202217652 

[3] Li, R. Landfester, K., and Ferguson, C. T. J. (2022), Temperature‐and pH‐Responsive Polymeric Photocatalysts for Enhanced Control and Recovery, Angewandte Chemie 61, 51, e202211132. https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202211132 

[4] Kim, S. Zhou, X. Li, Y. Yang, Q. Liu, X. Graf, R. Blom, P.W.M. Ferguson, C.T.J and Landfester, K., (2024), Size‐Dependent Photocatalytic Reactivity of Conjugated Microporous Polymer Nanoparticles, Advanced Materials 36 (35), 2404054. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202404054 

[5] Kim, S. Landfester, K. and Ferguson, C. T. J. (2022), Hairy Conjugated Microporous Polymer Nanoparticles Facilitate Heterogeneous Photoredox Catalysis with Solvent-Specific Dispersibility, ACS Nano, 16, 10, 17041–17048. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.2c07156