Smart reagent of the future: Chemical bonding and static electricity

Electrostatic catalysis is the least developed form of chemical catalysis. A wealth of knowledge exist on the role of high oscillating fields (i.e. light) on chemical bonding, but vitually nothing is known (experimentally) on the scope of static fields in chemistry.

We have just recently shown experimentally (Aragonès, A. C. et. al., Electrostatic catalysis of a Diels–Alder reaction. Nature 2016, 531 (7592), 88-91.) how a Diels-Alder reaction can be catalysed by oriented-external-electric-fields (OEEFs). Achieving further insight across chemistry will involve selection of specific chemical problems and application of the knowledge on OEEFs & chemical bonding to a scalable system.

This PhD research seeks to develop a fluidic processor to harness the static charges of a glass surface to manipulate rates and equilibrium positions. The successful candidate will have a sound knowledge in General Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and Electrochemistry.

We are seeking for a dynamic, resourceful and highly motivated individual who is keen to build an exciting career in chemistry.

The successful applicant will be based in the Department of Chemistry (Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia). It is a fully-funded PhD package with a $24000 (AUD) PhD annual salary offered (tax-free).