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 & organometallics (Nottingham), electrochemistry & 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.
Matteo Molteni, PDRA, University of Nottingham
Supervisors: Simon Woodward, Pete Licence, Gary Walker
Project: The aim is to study the plasma-promoted oxidation of light hydrocarbons to reduce the carbon footprint of industrial chemical processes. The project is also focused on developing new low carbon methods for nitrogen fixation.
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, University of Nottingham
Supervisors: Debbie Kays, 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).
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.