Polymeric Frustrated Lewis Pairs

Functional materials that respond to external stimuli are of growing importance to fields as varied as computing, electronics, health and well-being and sustainability. These functional materials are rarely used to tackle two key challenges that underpin our chemical economy: carbon capture and storage (CCS) and catalysis. This PhD project will exploit our group’s expertise in synthetic main group chemistry to develop polymeric materials that offer a paradigm shift for both fields, using the concept of frustrated Lewis pairs to promote activation and capture of waste industrial gases like carbon dioxide, whilst also providing a platform to transform this waste gas into a value-added product. The aforementioned frustrated Lewis pairs exploit the concept of latent reactivity where a Lewis acid and Lewis are decorated with large bulky groups that prevents them from coming into close contact. This induces a frustration which can activate small molecules or promote unique, metal-free catalysis. This project suits someone with a passion for synthetic chemistry – either in main group or polymer science – who wants to join a dynamic, diverse, international, industrial and enthusiastic team. The School is committed to Athena SWAN principles to promote women in science. The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

The start date for this PhD is either 1st May 2020 or 1st September 2020, the duration is 3 years or 3.5 years depending upon start date.

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in chemistry, materials or a cognate discipline. Interest or experience in one or more of synthetic main group chemistry, small molecule catalysis or synthetic polymer chemistry is desirable.