New catalysts to harness electricity and visible light for chemical synthesis

Electrocatalysis and photocatalysis are powerful techniques that have expanded the field of organic synthesis particularly over the last 15 years. Combining these techniques into a single process, termed electrophotocatalysis, has recently emerged as an exciting new approach to synthesis. Electrophotocatalysis enables consecutive activation of the same catalyst from two complimentary energy sources, electricity and light, to produce powerful redox agents. This allows access to new modes of activation that enable the production of molecules that cannot be readily accessed in any other way and facilitates the production of libraries of molecules such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, textiles and more.

This project aims to advance electrophotocatalysis by optimising the electrochemical and photophysical properties of some of these catalysts, particularly targeting those that catalyse redox transformations. The new catalysts will be evaluated to increase fundamental understanding of the electrophotocatalytic processes involved and used to discover new synthetic methodology and provide sustainable access to large libraries of molecules.

2024 rate $33,990, indexed each year. Standard tenure min 3 years, max 3.5 years.

Other benefits and opportunities include:

• Joining a vibrant and collaborative research community
• Access to newly opened state-of-the-art synthesis labs
• Opportunities for participation in scientific conferences
• Mentorship to support long-term career goals

• Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
• The scholarship is open to Australian and international candidates
• Research must be undertaken on a full-time basis
• Applicants must  have been awarded a First Class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills