Synthesis of green surfactants from renewable feedstocks

Fully funded, 42 months (details below)

Background. The need to drastically reduce CO2 emissions and the eventual depletion of oil reserves is driving the development of chemicals derived from renewable alternatives to petrochemical feedstocks; this encompasses chemical intermediates and more downstream consumer products. Consumer demand has especially increased in the in personal care product market. Soaps (surfactants) are key ingredients in many personal care and hygiene products and represent a variety of chemical compounds designed for specific applications. Alkylbenzene sulfonates are a category of anionic surfactants/detergents and may be found in soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, laundry detergents, dishwashing liquid, and spray cleaners. These commonplace synthetic detergents are completely derived from petroleum by combination of a long chain monoalkene coupled through a Friedel- Crafts alkylation. Substituting this surfactant class with a new class of renewable detergents is particularly attractive, due to the large production volumes and their limited biodegradability during wastewater treatment.
Project. In this project, we aim to synthesise novel detergents that have the potential to substitute alkylbenzene sulfonates in personal care products. We will explore furans as replacement for the benzene ring and fatty acids as replacement for the alkyl chain. Both target furans and fatty acids can be obtained from biomass, the former from the intermediates furfural or 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) derived from sugar dehydration, and the second through lipid extraction from biomass or microbial fermentation of sugars. Initially, you will investigate a number furanic head groups and reaction pathways to combine them with fatty acids, followed by measuring the performance of the synthesised molecules as surfactants. The performances will be benchmarked against the alkylbenzene sulfonate. You will seek optimal reaction conditions and purification strategies to maximise the yield and the greenness of the synthetic route.
You will join two dynamic interdisciplinary research teams in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering with a focus on transformations of biorenewable feedstocks. Applicants should have an excellent understanding of physical sciences, combined with outstanding teamwork and communication skills and a deep interest in biomass utilisation, synthetic chemistry, and a passion for transforming the chemical industry. The studentship is funded for 42 months and includes a London weighted UKRI stipend (£17,009/ year) and Home tuition fees. The expected start-date is October 2020.

Any questions and to apply, please email [Email Address Removed] or [Email Address Removed]. We require a CV, a cover letter and details of two independent referees. Open until filled with a closing date no later than 14 August 2020.