Digital discovery of new photocatalysts for photoredox catalysis

Description

Photoredox catalysis has come to the forefront in organic synthesis as a powerful strategy for the activation of small molecules [1]. Photocatalysts convert visible light into chemical energy by engaging in single-electron transfer with organic substrates, thereby generating reactive intermediates for bond forming reactions under mild conditions. The design and discovery of efficient organic photocatalysts is a major challenge and has drawn significant interest in recent years. In this project, the student will use a high-throughput virtual screening approach developed by the Troisi group [2] to search chemical databases to identify new potential organic photocatalysts with similar optoelectronic properties to existing state-of-the-art photocatalysts. The candidate molecules from this search will be purchased and their photocatalytic activity validated in a range of photoredox catalysed reactions using electrochemical techniques and optimised using robotic platforms [3] in the Materials Innovation Factory. Successful implementation of this approach will open up exciting possibilities for the development of inexpensive, sustainable, and scalable alternative photocatalysts for use in pharmaceutical drug development programmes.

The global need for researchers with capabilities in materials chemistry, digital intelligence and automation is intensifying because of the growing challenge posed by Net Zero and the need for high-performance materials across multiple sectors. The disruptive nature of recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and emerging quantum computing offers timely and exciting opportunities for PhD graduates with these skills to make a transformative impact on both R&D and society more broadly.

The University of Liverpool is therefore offering multiple studentships for students from backgrounds spanning the physical and computer sciences to start in October 2024. These students will develop core expertise in robotic, digital, chemical and physical thinking, which they will apply in their domain-specific research in materials design, discovery and processing. By working with each other and benefiting from a tailored training programme they will become both leaders and fully participating team players, aware of the best practices in inclusive and diverse R&D environments.

This training is based on our decade-long development of shared language and student supervision between the physical, engineering and computer sciences, and takes place in the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), the largest industry-academia colocation in UK physical science. The training content has been co-developed with 35 industrial partners and is designed to generate flexible, employable, enterprising researchers who can communicate across domains. Applicants are advised to apply as soon as possible with applications considered when received and no later than 30/06/2024.

Please apply by completing the online postgraduate research application form:

How to apply for a PhD programme

Please ensure you include the project title and reference number CCPR115 when applying.

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.