Designing Next-Generation Photocatalysts for Sustainable Flow Chemistry Using Visible Light

For further information, please contact Dr Filipe Vilela (f.vilela@hw.ac.uk) Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Scotland

The VilelaLAB (https://vilelalab.co.uk/), led by Dr Filipe Vilela at Heriot-Watt University, is seeking a PhD candidate to join an innovative research project focused on developing sustainable photocatalytic systems within flow chemical reactors. This project leverages visible light—a renewable and abundant energy source—to drive environmentally friendly chemical transformations.

Project Overview:

The successful candidate will be at the forefront of designing and synthesising novel metal-free organic photocatalysts. These catalysts will be incorporated into polymer matrices, using advanced methods such as 3D printing or other polymer integration techniques to create robust and efficient photocatalytic systems. These custom-designed photocatalysts will be optimised for flow chemical reactors, where they can achieve efficient light penetration and enhance mass transport.

This research combines catalyst design with state-of-the-art flow chemistry technology, confining photocatalysts in high surface-to-volume glass columns to maximise light exposure and optimise reaction conditions. These innovative systems provide reaction kinetics that are competitive with traditional homogeneous catalysts while greatly reducing purification requirements and supporting greener chemical processes.

Flow Chemistry and Catalysis Innovation:

Flow chemical reactors represent a breakthrough in reaction control and scalability, providing precise control over reaction conditions, accelerated reaction rates, and improved selectivity for target products. In this project, flow chemistry not only boosts photocatalytic efficiency but also enables real-time spectroscopic integration (UV/Vis, NMR) for automated data collection and analysis—advancing work at the intersection of automated synthesis, catalysis, and machine learning in chemistry.

This studentship is an excellent opportunity for candidates passionate about catalysis, polymer science, and sustainable chemistry to contribute to transformative research within the VilelaLAB at Heriot-Watt University.

Check out our publications here: https://vilelalab.co.uk/publications/