Project Background
Commodity polymers have revolutionised the modern world, allowing society to manufacture an array of materials from inexpensive feedstocks. The backbone of the polymer (the linear chain to which all other chains, long or short or both, may be regarded as being pendant) is set during the polymerisation manufacturing process, and remains unaltered throughout the entire life cycle of the polymer. The composition of the backbone is therefore crucial to not only the functionality and utility of the polymer, but to the way that these materials are managed at the end-of-life stage, which can lead to significant negative environmental, climate, and health impacts.
Project Description
The successful candidate will develop new synthetic methods for efficient and selective polymer backbone modification (PBM). Using advanced catalysis, this project will transform commodity polymers into upgraded functional materials. The current state of the art in PBM relies upon the design of bespoke monomers and substrate-specific transformations. This research programme will overcome these limitations by developing modular and tuneable PBM protocols through catalytic activation of the polymer backbone, followed by selective functionalisation, to enable the synthesis of a broad and diverse collection of novel products. This ambitious programme will also use automated in situ reaction monitoring techniques to elucidate the factors that control PBM. Ultimately, this will provide an entirely new method for synthesising useful and sustainable polymer materials.
This funded PhD studentship is available to work within a dynamic and growing research group led by Dr Liam Donnelly (l.donnelly@hw.ac.uk). This project is part of a collaboration with Dr Filipe Vilela that will combine expertise in homogeneous catalysis, organic synthesis, and polymer chemistry. The student will receive excellent levels of training in preparative organic chemistry, polymer synthesis and characterisation, flow chemistry, and experimental/computational mechanistic studies. The research will be based within the Institute of Chemical Sciences (ICS) at Heriot-Watt University which offers state-of-the art laboratories, analytical facilities, flow chemistry, and automation capabilities. Doctoral studies will be supported through a range of opportunities to attend international conferences and researcher development workshops, significantly enhancing the postgraduate experience and employment potential as a result. The training provided by this holistic researcher development programme will give an excellent platform to pursue a career in the chemicals industry or further academic research.
Eligibility Criteria
All applicants must have or expect to have a 1st or 2:1 class MChem, or equivalent degree by autumn 2025. The position is well suited to a candidate with significant experience in organic synthesis and/or homogeneous catalysis.
For more information and to apply visit https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/catalytic-upgrading-of-commodity-polymers-by-backbone-modification/?p178500