The Calvino group has one open PhD position in the field of photoresponsive polymers

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Reversible photopolymerization of dynamic polymer networks towards the preparation of renewable thermosets

 

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Calvino group vision focuses on the development of light-mediated adaptive polymers that incorporate advantageous photoswitchable motifs to improve controlled reprocessing, reshaping, and repairing processes. In such systems, the irradiation of light triggers molecular reactions that enable a controlled and permanent breaking/forming of the macromolecular chains, ultimately permitting the polymer reuse. In its research, the group seeks to explore the fundamentals of light-mediated responsive motifs at the molecular level (in solution) to transpose efficiently these motifs into solid state (in bulk). To understand the influence of molecular mechanistics on the light-mediated phase transition of materials, the group systematically investigate these motifs, beginning with simple organic compounds and progressing to more complex systems such as molecular blends, linear polymers, and polymer networks.

 

PhotoPolyNet proposes an alternative to non-recyclable thermosets via the preparation of a new class of responsive materials that can be recycled with a dual stimulation of light and temperature. This innovative approach relies on the use of photo/thermo-responsive macromolecular building blocks that can be reversibly polymerized on demand.

This research program seeks to explore the fundamentals of the orthogonal binding characteristics of light-mediated chemical reaction and thermally-induced dynamic covalent exchanges at the molecular level (in solution) to efficiently transpose these motifs into solid state (in bulk). To understand the influence of the molecular mechanistic on the polymerization and depolymerization of the responsive materials, these motifs will be investigated in a systematic manner-- starting with simple organic compounds and then moving towards more complex systems such as: model polymeric systems, linear polymers, and polymer networks. Ultimately, this research will provide a route towards the preparation of renewable polymer networks, with robust properties that can potentially replace conventional thermosets.

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An essential aspect of this research will focus on designing and synthesizing responsive building blocks, assessing their responsiveness to different stimuli, and evaluating their performance in reversible polymerizations. Photoreactors and lasers will be employed to initiate and halt photopolymerization and depolymerization reactions. A wide range of analytical techniques including UV, fluorescence, NMR, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and HPLC will be utilized to analyze performance and guide optimization for efficient photo/thermo processes. Ultimately, the research aims to investigate the reversible polymerization of these building blocks to create mechanically durable polymer materials capable of being recycled. 

 

REQUISITES FOR APPLICANTS:

The applicant must have a master’s degree in chemistry or polymer chemistry. The candidate should also demonstrate a willingness to pursue interdisciplinary research involving molecular-scale and polymer synthesis, polymer processing, and the characterization of polymeric material properties. Research experience in organic and/or polymer synthesis and standard characterization techniques (NMR, IR, UV-Vis, and Fluorescence) is expected. Excellent communication skills in English (written and oral) as well as having a team oriented /collaborative spirit are essential requirements.

Finally, the successful applicant is expected to enroll in a full-time PhD program.

 

This research program provides the successful applicant with the opportunity to join a multidisciplinary and highly qualified group of experts in the field of responsive materials to grow a multidisciplinary scientific skill set. Furthermore, such program offers the chance to discover different working environment and potentially establishing future opportunities. Finally, the University of Freiburg offers competitive working conditions with a state-of-the-art equipment to design photoresponsive chemical motifs as well as engineer and characterize polymer materials.

 

Please hand in:

• Letter of intent detailing why you are interested in this specific project and how your previous research qualifies you for the project (2 pages max)

• Curriculum Vitae with list of publications (if applicable)

• Certified copies of your university degree(s) with grades (BA and MA certificate / Diploma certificate and transcript)

• Short summary of your master’s thesis (up to 1,000 words)

• Work sample (chapter from recent thesis or journal article, up to 5,000 words)

• Two recommendation letters with contact details of the referees

 

 

Please send your document in one PDF file only with the subject title “PhD position  PhotoPolyNet_YOURNAME”.

 

Your documents will not be returned after the application process. For this reason, please submit copies only. Applications with incomplete files will not be considered          

 

E-Mail address for the application:  calvinoresearchgroup@gmail.com

 

 

Deadline for applications is April 8th. 

Interviews are expected to take place within the two weeks following the deadline.

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