Doctoral Themes

Alkane Functionalization towards Sustainable Organic Synthesis

Supervisors

Dmytro Nesterov, dmytro.nesterov@tecnico.ulisboa.pt

Maria Beatriz P. P. Palma Nobre, beatriz.nobre@tecnico.ulisboa.pt

Maria Fatima Guedes da Silva, fatima.guedes@tecnico.ulisboa.pt

Registration Institution

Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa

Project description

Alkanes, the main components of natural gas and oil, are burnt as energy source to CO₂ with harmful environmental effects, what also contributes to the exhaust of those non-renewable fossil fuels. They constitute a huge reserve of carbon and their potential use as feedstocks for organic synthesis is an attractive perspective. It concerns, however, one of the greatest challenges of modern Chemistry in view of their inertness, typically requiring harsh conditions and showing high inefficiency.

The project aims to achieve sustainable processes for alkane functionalization towards their conversion into valuable organic compounds: alcohols, ketones, carboxylic acids, etc.

Both gaseous (including methane) and liquid alkanes will be addressed, and (nano)catalysis will be applied to overcome alkanes inertia and achieve carbon-hydrogen bond activation and functionalization, namely inspired by biological systems. The project aligns with the multi-university Catalysis and Sustainability (CATSUS) PhD Program.

The proposal aims to contribute to a better utilization of natural carbon resources and aligns with relevant societal challenges, such as those expressed by the United Nations Goal 12 (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns) and Goal 9 (Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation).

Keywords

Sustainable chemistry; Sustainable synthesis; Catalysis; Natural carbon resources; Natural gas

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