PhD in Industrial Chemistry

The research topics of the PhD in Industrial Chemistry concern the sectors of sustainable industrial chemistry, the chemistry of polymeric and ceramic materials, catalytic processes in their industrial applications and for fine chemistry.

In all the research topics, a key factor will be the environmental sustainability of the various phases, the improvement or innovation in the industrial production of chemical substances using processes that match the "Green Chemistry" principles and those of circular economy.

Within the main research topics there are:

• the development of new catalysts (e.g. organic, metallo-organic or coordination compounds) and catalytic processes (both traditional and based on electro and photo-electrocatalysis);
• production of sustainable hydrogen, fuels and energy on a laboratory and pilot plant scale (including from biomass); activation and transformation of CO2 into chemical compounds, synthesis of complex molecules, (bio) polymers and composites, nano-additives, polymers for organic photovoltaics, photosensitizing compounds;
• modeling and optimization of nanomaterials, recovery and recycling processes using the circular economy approach;
• design of new energy storage techniques such as high-efficiency batteries and supercapacitors.

Call for Application, NRRP Call and NRRP Call for further PhD Positions
Appointed by RD 830/2022 Prot. n. 0127511 of 30/05/2022
Confirmed by RD 1103/2022 Prot. n. 0162873 of 17/07/2022
Confirmed by RD 952/2022 Prot. n. 0357333 of 02/12/2022

* The following shall take part in the work of the Examination Board as expert members for positions linked to specific research topics:

• Daniele Balducci - Eni SpA
• Denis Bertoldo - CyTech Srl
• Angelo Ferrando - Versalis Spa
• Fiorenzo Parrinello - Sacmi Imola
• Elisa Degli Esposti - Biolchim Spa
• Tommaso Tabanelli - International Flavors & Fragrances Benincarlo SL
• Carlo Andriolo - Herambiente SpA

The PhD in Industrial Chemistry aims to train students with high scientific qualifications, able to carry out research in the field of Industrial Chemistry, as well as in other sectors in which applied chemistry plays a predominant role. In particular, training topics will be addressed in the field of innovative materials for industrial applications and the development of sustainable technologies for the chemical industry. Deep attention will be devoted to the multidisciplinary aspects of research and integration with related disciplines such as Chemical Engineering and Process Engineering. The educational objectives of the PhD will also include the achievement of individual skills about the organization and management of the research activity, the presentation and discussion of the results obtained, the drafting of scientific reports and publications, a deep study of issues relating to intellectual property and technology transfer.

The main activity of the PhD student in Industrial Chemistry is research, conducted in the laboratories of the Department and affiliated research institutes, consisting mainly of laboratory activities. The experimental research activity involves the use of advanced scientific instrumentation, also including the large instruments owned by the Department, and can provide for access to instruments managed by national and international facilities (synchrotron, high-performance computing processors, etc.). In parallel with the research, the doctoral student will also carry out documentation and bibliographic research activities using the material available in libraries or accessible online through computer systems and / or the University Library System. Research training activities take place at different levels and are organized on the basis of a training plan tailored to the specific background of the PhD student (basic courses where necessary and in a specialist field, courses chosen within the educational offer of the courses university degree and second level master degrees). Among the activities required of the doctoral student, there is also participation in seminars and seminar cycles and in schools and congresses, both national and international.

The research training activities in which the PhD students participate will closely link the fundamental knowledge on materials and basic chemical research with the possible application development, exploiting the synergies with European academic and industrial centers of excellence. The didactic program of the doctorate will include specific courses and workshops aimed to develop the transversal skills necessary for a career in a rapidly evolving labor market; in particular specific training on creativity and entrepreneurship is provided. Compulsory course will be held about sustainable industrial chemistry, as well as characteristic courses of their choice, in which specific topics relating to the various research sectors are dealt with more detail. All courses include a final evaluation and each student during the three-year period will have to acquire 9 ECTS by attending the courses offered in the PhD Program. In addition, the acquisition of at least 4 ECTS is envisaged through courses chosen as part of the educational offer of the University's master degree courses and second level masters and in recognized national and international MOC courses. The participation of students in seminars and seminar cycles is required, as well as in any other “peer teaching” activities such as joint presentations of research activities, workshops, etc. Finally, students must necessarily attend at least one school and participate at a national or international congress.

The PhD program in Industrial Chemistry takes its cue from the international activities carried out within the Erasmus Mundus Doctorate in Sustainable Industrial Chemistry (SINCHEM), in the master degree in Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry, and in the Master in Low Carbon Technologies and Sustainable Chemistry. It will assure a wide internationalization of the training course with different approaches. Each student is required to carry out activities abroad for at least 3 months. The training course includes participation in international conferences and schools, as well as the attendance of specific courses organized by the professors of the proposing Department, which also involve researchers from other Italian and foreign research institutions. Doctoral students are also included in research projects and international initiatives. The Doctorate is advertised to attract foreign students and allows the development of theses in co-supervision with foreign institutions.

The products and results expected from the research activities of the PhD students are those recognized by the international scientific community. In particular, the research activities are expected to lead to the dissemination of at least two products linked to the PhD student's participation in national and international schools and congresses (e.g. posters, oral presentations, publication of reports). These products will be verified during the passing tests of the various years of the PhD. It is also expected that during the PhD, and in any case no later than one year after its conclusion, each PhD student has produced as author or co-author at least two publications (or patents) relating to the research activity carried out within the PhD program.