Skip to main content Skip to navigation

News

Select tags to filter on

Plastic Unlimited: How Corporations Are Fuelling the Ecological Crisis and What We Can Do About It

Despite the global movement to tackle plastic pollution, demand for plastics continues to rise. As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, plastics are set to be the biggest driver of oil demand. Single-use plastics – deemed essential in the fight against COVID-19 – have been given a new lease of life. In a world beset with crisis fatigue, what can we do to curb the escalating plastics crisis?

In this book, prof. Alice Mah reveals how petrochemical and plastics corporations have fought relentlessly to protect and expand plastics markets in the face of existential threats to business. From denying the toxic health effects of plastics to co-opting circular economy solutions to plastic waste and exploiting the opportunities offered up by the global pandemic, industry has deflected attention from the key problem: plastics production.

The consequences of unfettered plastics growth are pernicious and highly unequal. We all have a part to play in reducing plastics consumption but we must tackle the problem at its root: the capitalist imperative for limitless growth.

Thu 02 Jun 2022, 15:55 | Tags: Publications

PhD: Precision synthesis using nanoscale electrochemistry

During this project in the dr. Paul Wilson group you will develop novel methods of precision, nanoscale synthesis by adapting scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) for simultaneous synthesis and deposition of organic molecules, including polymers, at and from surfaces. You will identify suitable electrochemically-mediated transformations on a batch scale using an ElecraSyn Pro 2.0. These reactions will then be translated to the nanoscale, using a bespoke electrochemical scanning rig, enabling precise electrochemical synthesis and analysis at functional surfaces. This will contribute to the long-term aim of translating macroscopic electrochemical synthesis methods, to the nanoscale, which will enable 3D control over surface modification. Ultimately, this represents a novel and alternative strategy for surface modification and patterning of conducting (e.g. electrodes), insulating (e.g. polymeric) and biological (e.g. cells) substrates.

Tue 31 May 2022, 19:47 | Tags: PhD studentships (PGR)

Latest news Newer news