PhD Studentship|: Polymergeddon Rise Osmotic Pressure

Polymers are everywhere, and they're built to last. Their strength and chemical stability make them incredibly useful, but also frustratingly difficult to destroy. Here in the Fielden group (), we think it's time they were held accountable. We're exploiting their own chemical properties to engineer their downfall.

We use organic supramolecular chemistry to create a molecular tug-of-war that controls how molecules move between materials. By pulling monomer units out of polymers, we will break them down one unit at a time.

Controlling the equilibrium between monomers and polymers will create dynamic, shape-shifting materials that can adapt, transform and even dismantle themselves on demand. This opens up exciting possibilities, from developing more sustainable, responsive plastics to creating new methods for molecular barcoding and anti-counterfeiting.

This PhD project will subject polymer nanoparticles to osmotic pressure, our method of choice for initiating Polymergeddon. By designing reaction systems in which monomers can diffuse away from their parent polymers, you will investigate how to dismantle polymers into their constituent building blocks.

Using state-of-the-art polymerisation methods, you will explore reversible depolymerisation under a range of conditions, with different reaction media and catalysts, including emulsions and nanoparticles. You will synthesise and characterise polymers, then investigate how to trigger their disassembly by coupling depolymerisation with other chemical reactions or changes in phase behaviour. Finally, you will use these discoveries to develop dynamic materials in which monomers can be exchanged between different polymers, opening up new ways to control their composition and properties.

We are looking for curious, enthusiastic researchers who are keen to experiment, think differently and shape their own projects as new discoveries emerge. This project offers plenty of scope to explore unexpected ideas, develop new chemical approaches and take the research in exciting new directions. It would suit motivated students with backgrounds in supramolecular, polymer or synthetic organic chemistry who want to push the boundaries of what molecules and materials can do.

You will gain broad experience in organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, nanoscale characterisation, NMR and electron microscopy. You’ll also have opportunities to collaborate with other research groups to gain expertise in SAXS, SANS and microscopy, attend conferences, and shape the direction of your own project.

You will receive close mentoring in project design, writing, and presentation skills. Thanks to more than £3 million in support from the EPRSC, an ERC Starting Grant and a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship, there is additional enhanced funding for training and travel. You will be well prepared for a career across all areas of science and technology.

The School of Chemistry is keen to achieve a gender and diversity balance across the School and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Due to funding restrictions, non self-funded applicants not eligible for UK home fee status will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Self-funded students are always welcome to contact Steve to discuss their situation further.