This project will explore the use of robotics to reduce and ultimately eliminate the toxic effects of nickel and other metals when used in processes relevant to the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors.
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Background: Organometallic catalysis is one of the most vibrant and essential areas worldwide in scientific research, with impact in a broad range of industrially relevant fields such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and materials. Many metal-catalysed reactions rely on the use of precious metals such as palladium, iridium and rhodium; the high cost of these metals and risk of dwindling supply render these processes unsustainable. Attention over the last decade has turned towards the development of more abundant and cheaper base-metals. Major challenges in this field are a lack of understanding and low predictability, thus significantly higher loadings of catalyst are used when compared to precious metals. Despite being more abundant and cheaper, many of the base metals pose significant toxic risks, both when handling the precursors prior to the reaction and in their disposal, particularly as high loadings are used. Nickel, which has been developed as a highly attractive alternative for many metal catalysed processes, is highly toxic. This project will explore the use of robotics to reduce and ultimately eliminate the toxic effects of nickel when used in processes relevant to the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors. The technological development will also be relevant to other types of metal catalysts and processes.
Objectives: The following objectives are proposed and will evolve during the project.
· To electrochemically generate nickel species from a nickel plate, and screen in catalytic reactions of relevance to the chemicals industry.
· Examine electrochemical conditions under which the nickel metal can be efficiently removed from the stream, without forfeiting the catalytic reaction product.
· To develop a closed-loop system in which the nickel species is electrochemically generated, used directly in a catalytic reaction, with subsequent electrochemical removal and reuse.
Experimental Approach: The research will make use of electrochemical flow reactors that have been developed in the group. These will be coupled with catalytic flow reactors, hence the generated nickel species dispensed directly into the catalytic reaction. Development of online analytical tools (e.g. HPLC, UV, MS) will enable reactions to be monitored in real-time. As the electrochemical recovery part of the project evolves, reactor technology will require further development to combine into a closed loop system. The proposed work will require a researcher with synthetic chemistry experience, an understanding of catalysis and analytical methods used for monitoring reactions, and an enthusiasm to learn new techniques such as electrochemical synthesis, flow chemistry and use of software for automation and data handling.
Novelty: Whilst a lot of research in base-metal catalysis focuses on performance and development of complexes for a particular reaction, little attention is given to how this might be translated to large-scale use. Although base-metals are more abundant and cheaper than precious metals, safety and sustainability must still be considered. This project addresses both of these challenges and works towards a more sustainable and cleaner chemicals industry.
Training: The project will be led by Charlotte Willans and co-supervised by colleagues in Chemistry (Ian Fairlamb) and Physics (Laurence Wilson). Each bring complementary expertise to the project which are key to ensuring success. The student will develop their skills in synthesis and catalysis, in addition to analytical skills. Furthermore, they will learn new skills in electrochemical synthesis, flow chemistry and using software to control instruments, monitor reactions and handle data. The student will be provided with additional training in good laboratory practice, presentation and writing skills, literature searching and critique, and have the opportunity to use these throughout their PhD at group and supervisory meetings, CDT meetings and at national and international conferences. All this will provide the student with an excellent background for a career in a broad range of fields.
There will be cohort-based training for the ALBERT mini-CDT, where other students working on related projects (across a range of York-based Departments) will meet to exchange ideas, solve problems and discuss alternative ways to improving automated laboratory experiments going-forwards.
What is ALBERT?
Doctoral Training in Autonomous Robotic Systems for Laboratory Experiments
A cohort of students will be part of a mini, pilot Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) focused on developing the science, engineering, and socio-technology that underpins building robots required for laboratory automation, e.g. in chemistry and related sciences. The first cohort will begin their PhD projects in 2023, and the second cohort in 2024. Albert represents an autonomous robot that conducts laboratory experiments that are cleaner, greener, safer, and cheaper than anything achievable with today's conventional techniques and technologies. Developing Albert offers significant socio-technical problems for science, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities. The YorRobots Executive and the Institute for Safe Autonomy will provide international leadership for this research area.
When completing your application form, please select CDT Autonomous Robotic Systems for Lab Experiments from the drop down menu for How will your studies be funded?
The Department of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students. The Department strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/ed/
This PhD will formally start on 1 October 2023. Induction activities may start a few days earlier.
To apply for this project, submit an online PhD in Chemistry application: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/apply?course=DRPCHESCHE3
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