Photocatalysis as a tool for synthetic organic chemistry

The use of visible light energy to induce chemical transformations constitutes a chemoselective and green activation mode of organic molecules.

However, implementation of this energy source in organic synthetic methodologies and in the industrial production of fine chemicals has been challenging.

The PhotoReAct Innovative Training Network establishes a training network with 10 beneficiaries from academia and 4 beneficiaries from industry to tackle the challenges associated with photocatalysis in a coherent and comprehensive fashion. In total 15 Early Stage Researchers will be trained within the PhotoReAct network.

The network will provide them with opportunities to undertake research with the aim to overcome the current limitations towards the applicability and scalability of photochemical transformations.

This will be achieved through rational design of novel photocatalysts, the development of new photocatalytic methodologies, improved reactor technology and direct industrial implementation of photocatalytic transformations.

Furthermore, the ESRs will be trained in the PhotoReAct graduate school, acquiring scientific, personal and soft skills.

All ESRs will perform three secondments, of which at least one is intersectoral and carried out with an industrial partner and a second is international. Consequently, the ESRs will have improved career prospects and a higher employability.

Due to the high degree of industrial participation, the PhotoReAct network will provide an innovation-friendly environment where scientific results can grow and become products or services that will benefit European economies.