Skip to Content

Boron and Frustrated Lewis Pairs in Supported Ionic Liquid Phases: An Interdisciplinary Study of New Metal-Free Catalysts

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD

Applications are now CLOSED
Funding
Funded
Reference Number
SCCE-2023-015
Application Deadline
21 April 2023
Start Date
1 October 2023

Overview

Catalysis is at the core of sustainable chemistry allowing reduction in chemical waste, milder operating conditions, and lowered energy demands of processes. Much of traditional catalysis is reliant on platinum group metals that are expensive and have sensitive supply sources. Boron based inorganic catalysts are emerging as exciting and appealing alternatives because boron is abundant, inexpensive, has low toxicity and low environmental impact. This urgent need for inexpensive, metal-free catalysts is emphasised by the 2021 Nobel prize in chemistry which was awarded for work on organocatalysis. Unique insights into transition metal catalysis have been enabled through research at the UK Large Research Facilities (especially Diamond Light Source, UK synchrotron X-ray source) and ISIS (UK neutrons and muons source), however advanced techniques to study boron are still in their infancy. This project is a unique, CAST-sponsored collaboration between the QUILL Research Centre, Diamond and ISIS aimed at developing new methods and gaining new insights into boron catalysis.

This project will involve elements of inorganic and physical chemistry, in particular inorganic syntheses and advanced spectroscopic and neutron scattering techniques, as well as aspects of homogenous and heterogenous catalysis. The student will work with beam scientists at ISIS and Diamond, learning to use spectroscopic X-rays techniques (Diamond), structural studies using neutrons (ISIS), and synthesis of chemicals with artificial isotope ratio at ISIS Deuteration Facility. At QUB, the student will gain experience in the synthesis of ionic liquids and in catalysis, which will furnish them with a truly unique set of technical skills.

It is expected that the successful student will regularly visit ISIS and Diamond facilities in Oxfordshire, and potentially other neutron and X-ray sources in Europe and the US. This project will be co-supervised by Professor John Holbrey.

Funding Information

The required academic qualification is a first or upper second-class relevant honours degree from a university in the United Kingdom or Ireland, or qualifications and experience considered by the University as equivalent to this standard. Students must be able to demonstrate a capability to undertake and benefit from research training through to completion, to qualify for a doctorate.
This studentship is open to UK and ROI nationals, or EU nationals that have obtained settled status in the UK. Full residency and eligibility information can be viewed via: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/department-economy-postgraduate-studentship-scheme

Project Summary
Supervisor

Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny


Mode of Study

Full-time: 3 years


Funding Body
DfE CAST
Apply now Register your interest