Design of lipoic acid-based materials for circular 3D printing

About the Project

Applications are invited for a funded PhD studentship, supervised by Prof Andrew Dove (School of Chemistry) at the University of Birmingham (group website: http://www.dovegrouplab.com). The project is part of a ERC-funded Advanced Grant project that is focussed developing fully closed-loop recyclable, bio-derivable polymer for use in 3D printing. The PhD will build upon published work from the group (see: Nature, 2024, 629, 1069 — 1074, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07399-9) to develop materials that retain the excellent recyclability of the printed polymers, but enables access to a wider range of materials properties than are possible at present. This will be achieved by developing new resin chemistry.

The project will involve research into the following key areas that the group are interested:

• Synthesis of monomers and polymers for formulation into photocurable resins
• In depth characterisation of the physical and thermomechanical properties of polymers
• Applying light-based 3D printing methods to create precisely controlled 3D structures
• Developing routes the depolymerise and re-print the materials in a closed loop manner
• Undertaking analysis to understand the green chemistry and sustainability of the project

The project will involve several areas that can be tuned towards the successful applicant’s interests and skills and will be ideal for students that are interested in a fundamental research project with an applied goal. The work will be conducted in the £80M Molecular Science Building that opened in 2024 on the University's Edgbaston campus with full access to the world-class, state-of-the-art facilities maintained by the group and department.

Candidate requirements and application process: The successful applicant will be highly motivated, ambitious and enthusiastic. They will also possess excellent oral and written communication skills. The project is open to graduates with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry (with a minimum degree classification of a 2:1).

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof Andrew Dove (a.dove@bham.ac.uk). Formal applications should then be made via the University of Birmingham online application portal.

Funding Notes

The studentship is funded for a duration of 3.5 years and includes a stipend at the standard UK research council rate and covers of the full cost of Home (UK) tuition fees. Please note that, due to funding restrictions, only those eligible for UK home fees status may apply.