Reactions in solventless and liquid-assisted environments

The project:

This research project is developing a fundamental understanding and/or new, scalable processes for the synthesis of molecules and materials under non-conventional, environmentally-friendly conditions. This includes mechanochemistry by acoustic mixing, milling, photochemistry, and more. The focus is two-fold: build a fundamental understanding of new reactivity via reaction monitoring and systematic screening, as well as create new, efficient, scalable processes useful for greener chemical manufacturing.

Background:

Mechanochemical or photochemical reactions in the solid state, sometimes assisted by a small amount of a liquid phase, have emerged as an effective way to conduct chemical and materials synthesis without bulk solvent. Mechanochemical approaches can enable access to molecules, materials, and reactions difficult to achieve under more conventional conditions. Despite the vast potential of such synthetic approaches for new, cleaner and more effective synthesis, the fundamental understanding of the underlying solventless or liquid-assisted reaction environment remains poorly understood. Understanding this uncharted area of chemical reactivity will enable the development and broader application of more efficient, greener technologies in academia and across a wide range of industries.

Training and mentoring:

The candidate will receive training in a wide range of techniques related to synthesis and characterisation of molecules, materials and solid-state supramolecular chemistry, ranging from solution-phase NMR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, as well as thermal analysis, powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, microscopy and more. The candidate will also join group visits at advanced research facilities, for example synchrotron X-ray sources, and participate in collaborations with academia/industry. Finishing a PhD in our team opens the door to positions in academia, industry, with some former students also successfully choosing the entrepreneurial path. Over the years, a number of students from the group have won competitive awards for their research. We are interested in fundamental discovery, as well as new applications of innovative chemical processes, with a particular focus on sustainability and scalability. We communicate and publish our research to the broader community and, when possible, explore opportunities for patenting, creation of start-ups, and close collaborations with industries seeking greener, innovative technologies.

Application process: Interested candidates should contact Professor Friščić by email (t.friscic@bham.ac.uk) in the first instance with a copy of their CV and a covering letter outlining their research interests. School of Chemistry is keen to achieve a gender and diversity balance across the School and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. The School holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award, which recognises its work in promoting women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEM) in higher education.