Societal concerns about the environmental, financial, and ethical sustainability of industrial practices and their downstream effects require chemists to respond to the global sustainability crisis. Research within the Clapson Group explores emerging methods in green chemistry to meet sustainable development goals (SDGs) including affordable and clean energy (7), responsible consumption and production (12), climate action (13), quality education (4), and reduced inequalities (10). Our research focuses on the development of base metal (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) catalysts for the transformation of small molecules (CO2, NOx, etc.) to value added products, providing less expensive, safer, and more efficient alternatives to current precious metal systems. We leverage methods such as systems thinking, two-eyed seeing, and life cycle analysis to assess green metrics within each project, providing measurable comparisons to current industrial processes.

Considering green chemistry through the lens of catalysis, three themes emerge:

1. Sustainable transformations: improving current catalytic processes to be cheaper, safer, and more efficient
2. Green catalyst development: improving ligand synthesis and employing base metals or main group species to lower waste and explore novel methodologies
3. Sustainable targets: transforming pollutants into value-added materials

Two research projects exploring these themes are available:

Project 1: Exploring the Application of Bio-inspired S, N Schiff Base Ligands on First Row Metals for Ring-Opening Polymerization:
Tunicates, an invasive species, are found in most coastal waters surrounding PEI. These simple species grow on mussel socks, leading to lower mussel production. Tunicates have recently found use as a source of crystalline cellulose. Compared to the more abundant amorphous cellulose found in agricultural samples, it can be used to strengthen materials and composites. Likewise, the composition of tunicate oil is similar to that of fish oil. These oils can be extracted during processing and represent a secondary source of biomass that can be valorized. Herein we propose the utilization of N,S Salen-type ligands on base metals (M = Mn, Fe, Ni) for the polymerization of oxidized tunicate oil waste and CO2, forming biorenewable plastics.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Synthesis and characterization of target substrates. Application of substrates in small molecule transformations to value added substrates – preparing, setting-up, and carrying out experiments and critically analyzing results in relationship to current literature
• Participation in group meetings – research updates, problem-sets, literature review
• Preparation of supporting information documents, internal reports, and manuscripts where appropriate
• Upholding commitments to equity, diversity, inclusivity, accessibility, and reconciliation (EDI-AR)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a current UPEI student
• Applicants must have a minimum average of 80% in CHEM2720 – Inorganic I. Completion of CHEM3740 – Inorganic II or CHEM4860 – Advanced Inorganic (or equivalent) is considered an asset
• Experience with organic and inorganic synthesis. Previous experience with air-free synthetic methods (Schlenk and glovebox) is considered an asset
• Demonstrated experience with common characterization methods including multinuclear NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis, and HRMS
• Prior training in laboratory safety (WHIMS and familiarity with UPEI policies is an asset)
• Ability to work in a team environment and balance multiple projects
• Ability to work in-person in a wet-laboratory environment (remote work is unavailable)

In your application, please include a cover letter highlighting current chemistry skill set, previous research experience, interested project, and ability to work as a team. (1 page maximum), a resume (5 pages maximum) and a copy of your transcripts.

Priority will be given to University of Prince Edward Island students in accordance with Recruitment, Selection, Hiring and Employment Policies and the Procedures manual.