Research Fellow in Electrochemical Synthesis and Modification of Polymers (108663-0124)

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research fellow position in the team of Dr Paul Wilson in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Warwick. The successful candidate will be offered an appointment for up to 18 months.

Electrochemical intervention in (macro)molecular synthesis has received renewed interest over the last decade. Through control of the electric field, the thermodynamics and/or kinetics of electron transfer processes and therefore reaction mechanisms can be precisely interrogated, controlled and understood. Furthermore, the use of electrons as reagents, derived from sustainably generated power (solar, wind, water, etc), represents a more environmentally-benign approach to synthesis compared to analogous chemically-driven processes.

Recently, our research team has been investigating electrosynthetic methods for the synthesis and functionalisation of polymers. Electrochemical methods for atom transfer radical polymerisation (eATRP, for polymer synthesis) and the Hofmann rearrangement (for post-polymerisation modification) have been introduced. In the case of eATRP, laboratory scale methods have been developed and translated to scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) to achieve localised polymer synthesis and deposition in droplet cells formed at gold electrode surfaces, a process we have coined electrosynthetic lithography.

In this project we seek to develop more sustainable routes to the synthesis of functional polymers and to polymer functionalisation. Building on preliminary work we will investigate electrochemical stability of (meth)acrylic acid and acrylamide homo- and (co)polymers. Specifically, we will investigate Kolbe electrolysis of COOH-functionalised polymers and the electrochemical Hofmann reaction of primary amide functionalised polymers and apply these methods to develop end group and side chain functionalisation strategies. We will also investigate the potential for electrochemically triggered polymer degradation. This work is primarily concerned with laboratory scale reactions but we are also seeking to translate these methods to flow electrolysis (for scale up) and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy for electrosynthetic lithography.

We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis, even where a position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so.  

Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the Apply button.