PRR Project

Summary

Tenure-track Auxiliary Researcher position aligned with the thematic lines MolCat and GreenChem, in particular catalysis for green sustainable procedures, using mechanochemistry to obtain commodities??????? Rationale for the position:The global need for cleaner and more sustainable chemical transformations to achieve the United Nations Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs), together with the 12 principles of green chemistry and engineering, have propelled mechanochemistry to being named by IUPAC experts as one of the Top Ten Emerging Technologies in Chemistry 2021 - Ten innovative concepts to drive industrial progress and transition our world towards a cleaner future. Due to the physical stimuli that promotes unique conditions in mechanochemistry, chemicals often behave surprisingly yielding previously unimagined properties and capabilities. These advancements are strongly supported by collaborative networks of scientists and technologists, funded by intergovernmental agencies.In recent decades, there has been a noticeable surge in interest in mechanical-assisted reactions, particularly in the synthesis of a wide array of products for clean energy, CO2 conversion, and cleaner industrial processes. This approach is widely regarded as an excellent method aligning with the principles of Green Chemistry, emphasizing the reduction or elimination of hazardous chemical use.To bolster sustainability within the EU, the Commission introduced the Green Deal Industrial Plan in 2023, with a specific focus on enhancing the economy through green technology and fostering sustainable industries. This initiative underscores the necessity for efficient, cleaner, greener, and sustainable alternatives that can establish a positive cost-benefit dynamic across the entire value chain.This new job profile aligns seamlessly with the goals of MolCat - Molecular and Catalyst Design - and GreenChem - Chemistry towards the Green Transition -, thereby consolidating the field of mechanochemistry for enhanced synthesis and catalysis processes. It direct answers to the critical challenge of sustainable development and circular economy principles in the context of the green transition, while also accelerating the transition to less pollutant approaches. Importantly, it contributes to raising CQE competitiveness in chemistry and catalysis. Tasks to be performed:To achieve these objectives, tasks related to scientific knowledge and its dissemination must be executed:-advancing scientific knowledge through mechanochemistry, especially ball milling, for specific applications, such as in the synthesis of catalysts or catalysis, is of crucial importance to reach better sustainability and green metrics on many catalytic processes. Knowledge accumulation on heterogeneous materials and carbon activation methods is of utmost importance for the advance of catalysis.- performing life cycle assessments, which is vital for informed decision-making about the environmental impact of these technologies, guiding effective sustainable solutions.- advancing our understanding of mechanochemical synthesis, focusing on the evaluation of kinetic and thermophysical constants for a quantitative evaluation of the chemistry involved.- Promoting strategies for university-industry collaborations and science-based entrepreneurship.- Promoting dissemination of scientific knowledge in high impact journals, conferences, or linkages to the general public.- Training national and international MSc and PhD students and visiting researchers.-  Applying for research funding.Addressing this interdisciplinary challenge requires nurturing new workforces dedicated to contributing to reaching game-changing commercial breakthroughs. In CQE, this is achieved by attracting students through dissemination activities, strengthening CQE´s research impact. Through this interdisciplinary strategy, CQE can effectively meet the demand for a specialized workforce, demonstrate international recognition, and capitalize on fundraising opportunities. Scientific profile required:To execute these tasks, an interdisciplinary skilled candidate with a solid track record in synthesis, green catalytic routes with metallic complexes to produce commodities, and a solid knowledge in the physical-chemistry sciences is essential. Other skills are also essential: demonstrated interdisciplinary research leadership, with a strong publication record in relevant fields; experience in supervising MSc, PhD students and international internships in these interdisciplinary fields of research; experience in the coordination of projects and different dissemination activities and effective collaborations with industry; experience in submitting European and national projects and establishing collaborations with relevant industrial and academic partners.