Working with the inventor of the Vortex Fluidic Device (http://www.vortexfluidictechnologies.com, Prof Colin Raston who is an external co-supervisor), we have combined our interests in flow and supramolecular chemistries to develop a project aimed at automating this emerging technology for application in optimised chemical synthesis.
The VFD is able to deliver remarkably different results relative to established flow systems through the generation of unique chemical environments (e.g. extreme forces coupled with other stimuli such as light). It can operate in batch or continuous flow mode, thus generating a wide range of conditions when one considers the number of variables available to the operator (e.g. change in speed of rotation, film thickness, temperature, angle of reactor and so on). This naturally leads to many possibilities when one considers reaction yield and optimisation, leading us to the desire to automate this process for application in both research and industrial settings. The project is suitable to a chemistry or chemical engineering graduate and aligns with the recently opened National Robotarium (https://thenationalrobotarium.com) at Heriot-Watt University (where there will be opportunities to integrate into this Research Institute).
Programme of study: The work is interdisciplinary and will involve automation of the VFD followed by optimised chemical synthesis using established reactions before moving on to explore new transformations. Analysis will be performed using a range of techniques as appropriate (NMR, MS, XRD, IR, UV-vis etc), integrating these with the VFD (e.g. benchtop NMR) to guide the optimisation process. Doctoral studies will be supported through a range of subject-specific training opportunities, significantly enhancing the postgraduate experience and employment potential as a result. HWU also has excellent training courses for PGRs (run by the Research Futures Academy) that enhance transferrable skills and include topics such as applying for funding.
How to Apply
Apply here
When applying through the Heriot-Watt on-line system please ensure you provide the following information:
(a) in ‘Study Option’
You will need to select ‘Edinburgh’ and ‘Postgraduate Research’. ‘Programme’ presents you with a drop-down menu. Choose Chemistry PhD for study option.
(b) in ‘Research Project Information’
You will be provided with a free text box for details of your research project. Enter Title of the project for which you are applying and also enter the supervisor’s name.
This information will greatly assist us in tracking your application.
For questions about the application process, please contact [Email Address Removed]
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