Research Projects
The two workpackages run in parellel throughout this project, drawing on skills from all our partners, supporting post-doctoral researchers and PhD students.
We utilise our combined expertise in non-precious metal catalysis and organometallics (Nottingham), electrochemistry and polymer chemistry (Warwick), and expertise in organic chemistry within the additive industry (Lubrizol).
A brief overview of the research of our post-doctoral researchers (PDRAs) and PhD students aligned to Workpackage 1.
Joe Stanley, PhD Student, University of Warwick
Supervisors: Martin Wills
Project: The sustainable production of functionalised polyenes, using both in-situ ('one-pot') methods and post synthetic modification.
Alex Magiakos, PhD Student, University of Warwick
Supervisors: Paul Wilson, Gary Walker
Project: Electrosynthetic and electro-/photocatalytic routes to N2 reduction and N-functionalisation of alkenes. We are currently scoping out and screening efficient methods for (photo)catalytic hydroamination of unactivated alkenes and working on translating these to electrosynthesis/catalysis using small molecule alkenes and model unsaturated compounds.
Katie Savage, PhD Student, University of Nottingham
Supervisors: Pete Licence, Gary Walker
Project: The project investigates atom efficient routes towards olefin functionalisation, with a specific focus on the alkylation of polyisobutylene and the development of a more sustainable process for this reaction.
Bethany Mulholland-Prescott, PhD Student, University of Nottingham
Supervisors: Simon Woodward, Gary Walker
Project: The aim of this project is to utilize cold plasma-generated cyanogen to provide more sustainable routes to industrially important chemicals, including methacrylate, polyurethane, adiponitrile and others. We are also researching in-situ conversions of plasma generated cyanogen to less toxic or more useful molecules, such as its hydrolysis product oxamide.
Xiangdong Xu, PDRA, University of Warwick
Supervisors: Pat Unwin, Paul Wilson, Gary Walker
Project: This project focuses on the development and application of cutting-edge experimental and analytical methods – spanning a range of lengths and timescales - to provide underpinning knowledge for electrocatalysis (N2 reduction) and electrosynthesis (N-functionalisation of alkenes).
William Pointer, PhD Student, University of Warwick
Supervisors: David Haddleton
Project: My research has focused on anionic polymerisation of dienes for use as dispersant additives for lubricating oils. Efforts have been directed to synthesising well defined polymers with controlled headgroups and developing techniques to conduct these polymerisations in continuous flow. These developments were built upon to include online monitoring of polymerisation progress via custom built online-GPC and inline NMR.
A brief overview of the research of our post-doctoral researchers (PDRAs) and PhD students aligned to Workpackage 2.
Morgan Reynolds-Green, PhD Student, University of Nottingham
Supervisors: Steve Howdle, Gary Walker
Project: Synthesis and characterisation of novel monomers derived from renewable sources such as vegetable oils and waste streams. Through LCA, sustainable products with higher value than pre-established commodity polymers can be developed.
Cansu Aydogan, PDRA, University of Warwick
Supervisors: Dave Haddleton, Tim Smith
Project: Synthesis, photo-modification and hydrogenation of end functional polydienes under flow conditions.
Lalit Mittal, PDRA, University of Nottingham
Supervisors: Anabel Lanterna, Karen Robertson
Project: The project will focus on the development of photocatalytic processes using in situ analysis for exploring reaction kinetics and design of self-optimisation processes using computer automation. Designing flow reactors compatible with heterogenous photocatalyst and building photocatalytic processes will constitute the main part of the research findings.
Alex Soares Gomes, PhD Student, University of Warwick
Supervisors: Sébastien Perrier, Tim Smith
Project: To investigate the synthesis of diblock copolymer nanoparticles in continuous flow systems using RAFT-mediated PISA techniques coupled with integrated on/in-line analysis platforms employing self-optimising feedback control algorithms. The viability of continuous flow systems as more sustainable alternatives to batch processes will be evaluated by utilising LCA methodologies.