Green Chemistry: Sustainable Chemical Processes Using Deep Eutectic Solvents

This research internship will focus on developing innovative and environmentally sustainable chemical processes using deep eutectic solvents (DES) and advanced catalytic systems. The objective is to explore alternative reaction and separation technologies that improve resource efficiency, reduce chemical consumption, and support the transition toward more sustainable industrial processes. The successful candidate will contribute to one of three research areas, depending on their background and interests: Mineral Recovery: Investigating DES-based leaching and extraction processes for recovering valuable metals from mineral ores, mining tailings, and industrial waste streams. Sustainable Fuel Synthesis: Exploring the conversion of methanol into high-value hydrocarbons, particularly triptane (2,2,3-trimethylbutane), using zinc iodide (ZnI₂)-based catalytic systems. Desulfurization Processes: Developing DES-based extraction and reaction processes for removing sulfur-containing compounds from fuels and industrial streams. The internship will involve laboratory experimentation, chemical characterization, reaction and separation process optimization, and preliminary techno-economic and environmental assessments. The researcher will work within a multidisciplinary team at KAUST, gaining hands-on experience in green chemistry, catalysis, and sustainable chemical engineering.

Literature review identifying promising DES formulations, catalytic systems, and relevant process technologies. Design and execution of laboratory-scale experiments to evaluate process feasibility. Experimental data quantifying key performance indicators such as extraction efficiency, reaction yield, product selectivity, or sulfur removal efficiency, as applicable. Identification of promising operating conditions and opportunities for solvent or catalyst recovery and reuse. Preliminary assessment of process sustainability, scalability, and techno-economic potential. Final technical report and presentation summarizing experimental results, key findings, and recommendations for further research.