Alkali Metal Mediation (AMM) in Chemical Manufacture and Fuel Technology

Applications are invited for a fully funded 36-month PhD studentship sponsored by Innospec Limited, a global specialty chemicals company focused on bringing innovative new technologies to the market to start in October 2024.  

 This project combines two complementary topics, one developmental in essence, the other more of a specific problem-solving issue, where the complementarity is in alkali metal mediation (AMM). AMM can be defined as chemistry which cannot take part at all or cannot take part significantly without the intervention of an alkali metal.

 With the rising threat to lithium supplies because of its rapidly escalating use in batteries and energy technology, the developmental part of this project will advance the chemistry of its group one neighbour sodium in organometallic chemistry. For sustainability purposes, the aim is to develop organosodium compounds that can replace or be alternatives to the organolithium reagents which are extensively used in synthesis for research and for the manufacture of numerous chemicals such as agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals.

 In the problem-solving part of the project, the PhD student will investigate another facet of alkali metal mediation, which in contrast to the first one mentioned above is a negative AMM effect. This will study the origins and roles of sodium in different types of compounds such as carboxylates, that cause faults in diesel engines since they are often cited as a problematic contaminant in internal injector deposits.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity of developing a cutting-edge programme of research within the important area of sustainability and have, or expect to obtain, a First-Class Honours or Upper Second-Class Honours Degree in Chemistry, please contact Professor R. E. Mulvey for more information.