Photochemistry and spectroscopy of organic radical ions

IOCB Prague is a leading research institution under the umbrella of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Our mission is basic research at the interface of chemical and biological sciences and translation of results from basic research into applications and commercial assets.

IOCB Prague is looking for talented, independent, and highly motivated PhD students with an MSc. degree or equivalent in life sciences or related fields.

• As a student here, you’ll have the opportunity to work on interesting projects in a first-class tutoring program. You will be in a vibrant international setting of a prestigious scientific institution, which has cutting-edge equipment and modern technologies and collaborates with leading research centers around the world as well as with important commercial partners.

• Registration deadline: 3 March 2024

• Interview Day: 21 March 2024

TUTOR: Tomáš Slanina

GROUP: Tomáš Slanina Group Redox Photochemistry

• The research of our laboratory focuses on the development of small organic molecules that undergo electron transfer and/or can be activated by light. This interdisciplinary research field combines organic synthesis, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, physical chemistry and mechanistic investigations of light-triggered processes. Our main goal is to precisely control redox reactions and electron transfer in space and time, reversibly transfer charge between defined redox centres and develop methods for stabilization of organic radicals and radical ions. We aim to use them in various applications ranging from redox sensors to functionalized surfaces, molecular electronic devices and smart materials.

Abstract

• Stable radical cations and anions are unique molecules that have found numerous applications in photovoltaics, organic electronics, batteries, and catalysis. While electrochemical and redox preparation of radical ions has been studied in detail, little is known about their photochemistry.

• The candidate will synthesize radical ions based on triarylamines, hexaarylethanes, perylene diimides, quinones, and other motives, and will study their photochemical stability and reactivity in perspective of the application in photoredox and hydrogen atom transfer catalysis. The candidate will use steady state and time-resolved spectroscopy of stable radical ions to elucidate the mechanisms of photochemical redox reactions.

• Field of study: Organic chemistry

Universities

• PhD students must be enrolled in a partner university and will be employed by the IOCB Prague at the same time (part-time or full time), which results in a competitive salary (a scholarship from the university + a salary from the IOCB). Each university has its own process, terms, and deadlines for PhD applications, which is separate from the IOCB recruitment process. You may discuss the details with the respective PI.

University partners:

• Faculty of Science, Charles University;

• Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague

• Please return to the PhD projects at IOCB Prague – Call for Applications 2024 page and follow the instructions.