Accessing New Chemistries: Tuning Reactivity Of Chemical Processes Using Ionic Liquids And Deep Eutectic Solvents

Ionic solvents are known to alter the outcomes of chemical processes by influencing their mechanism. Because of the wide variety of different ions that might make up an ionic solvent, there is enormous scope for tuning these processes. Optimised processes will ensure that future green targets can be met for sustainable and environmentally responsible chemicals manufacture. As part of our team, you will look at the influence of ions in changing the accessible transition state of selected reactions, using and developing state-of-the-art computational methods, to marry up with experiments carried out with our collaborators at UNSW, Sydney. This will enable us to more fully understand how we can tune and manipulate chemical reactions to get the reaction outcomes we desire. Where required, training in specific computational methods (molecular dynamics, quantum mechanics, machine learning) will be provided. You will also have a range of opportunities to gain valuable transferrable skills (including through our doctoral college), network with international and industry partners, and be well-set up for a role in either industry, data science or academia at the end of the programme. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

The standard University IELTS English language requirement is 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

International students: £29,500

UK students: £5,238

July 2026, October 2026

3 August 2026

• Loughborough, United Kingdom