Synthesis and self-assembly of supramolecular antenna systems for photochemical transformations

A PhD position is available in the laboratory of Prof Davide Bonifazi at the Cardiff University School of Chemistry. The Bonifazi’s group is specialized in the creation of functional molecular architectures characterized by ambitious targeted organic synthesis, self-assembly and self-organization of hybrid architectures through novel dynamic covalent and non-covalent bonds, physical-organic studies.

The prospective researcher will carry out European-funded Innovative Training Network (ITN) entitled “PHOTOTRAIN” in the frame of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action (this is under the condition that the Grant Agreement is signed). The aim of the network focuses on the education of early-stage researchers on photo-triggered chemical process to play its central role in chemical sustainability both at the academic and industrial level for triggering stereoselective organocatalytic transformations and/or solar fuels production. By capitalising the basic principles of supramolecular chemistry to program dynamic self-organized photoactive interfaces, it is intended to raise new ideas for reforming current industrial transformations into a new generation of “light-triggered” processes. The challenge of developing and transferring light-fuelled processes from a proof-of-principle to an exploitable process is to embark upon a dynamic configuration in which photoactive species are kept separated, act independently and are finally recycled. The research work is established in a stimulating and creative environment comprising a multidisciplinary blend of world-leading collaborations including seven academic institutions and two companies.

Project title: Synthesis and self-assembly of supramolecular antenna systems for photochemical transformations

Within this project, the research tasks of the Cardiff group focus on the organic synthesis and self-assembly of artificial photosynthetic systems taking advantage of the self-assembly of selected programmed chromophoric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that will be able to efficiently absorb the required portion of the solar spectrum. Specifically, the research activities are focused on the synthesis of red-, green- and blue- adsorbing chromophores that will organize in a vectorial fashion using orthogonal dynamic non-covalent and/or covalent bonds. These architectures will be used to fuel inorganic and organic photocatalysts triggering different chemical transformations.

Academic criteria: Applicants must hold a 1st Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry with specialization in Organic Chemistry by the time of the appointment. Only candidates with an MSc (or equivalent) will be considered. One year of experience in research in the field of organic synthesis of peptides and/or aromatic heterocycles will be an added value.

Start date: 1st January 2017

Deadline for applications: Friday 18th November 2016