Photochemical approaches to activating N2

A fully funded PhD studentship is available in the group of Dr Andrew Jupp at the University of Birmingham in the area of sustainable chemistry. There is an urgent need to better manage the planet’s resources, and chemistry is at the forefront of tackling environmental issues. The current industrial route to nitrogen-containing products, such as dyes and pharmaceuticals, starts with the reaction of nitrogen and hydrogen (the latter derived from the fossil fuel methane) at high temperature and pressure. This Haber-Bosch process accounts for almost 2% of the global energy demand and creates vast quantities of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. This PhD project will explore alternative, sustainable routes to both established and new nitrogen-containing products, and lies at the interface of inorganic, organic and photochemistry.

The successful candidate will develop extensive skills in the synthesis and handling of air- and moisture-sensitive compounds using Schlenk-line and glovebox techniques. They will use a range of characterisation techniques, including NMR, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy; single crystal X-ray diffraction; and mass spectrometry. It would be ideal for those who are interested in a fundamental chemistry project that works towards real-world applications.

The anticipated start date is October 2022, and the advertisement will be filled when a suitable candidate is identified. Interested candidates should contact Dr Andrew Jupp in the first instance by email, attaching an up-to-date CV.

The School of Chemistry is keen to achieve a gender and diversity balance and welcome 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 in higher education.