The event is being delivered as part of LabFact, an EU Interreg project financed by the European Regional Development Fund

Students will explore a greener, more environmentally friendly technique of organic synthesis, known as Mechanochemistry, at an online event on 21 July.

Synthetic chemistry has been at the heart of shaping our modern world. Medicines, solar cells, plastic drinking bottles all contain molecules and materials that have to be synthesised from simple starting materials.

Although the disposal of these products results in environmental problems that the world is just beginning to tackle, a hidden problem is that the synthesis of these items also creates significant waste and pollution.

This free event will show how chemists are beginning to tackle these problems by revolutionising the way molecules are synthesised using the technique of Mechanochemistry. It will involve interesting presentations, videos and live demonstrations from the Chemistry research labs at the University of Sussex and will be hosted on Zoom.

The event is suitable for Year 10 to Year 13 students who are interested in Chemistry and a greener future for the sciences and all students will receive a certificate of attendance.

The session will be run by experts including Dr Barny Greenland, Professor John Spencer and Professor Mark Bagley.

Mark Bagley, Professor of Organic Chemistry, said: “What is mechanochemistry? Society and Industry has recognized an urgent need for green and more sustainable chemistry and engineering. As part of a sustainable development plan, how we carry out chemical reactions in manufacturing could be changing. This one-hour event will show you what mechanochemistry is and why it has been highlighted by IUPAC as a Chemical Innovation that will change the world.

“We look forward to welcoming you to mechanochemistry.”

‘What is Mechanochemistry?’ takes place on Wednesday 21 July, 2 to 3pm. Although free, registration is essential. If you would like to attend, please email e.h.ling@sussex.ac.uk by 20 July to confirm a place.

The event is being delivered as part of the research programme LabFact: Turning Laboratories into Factories, an EU Interreg project financed by the European Regional Development Fund for cooperation projects in the Interreg VA France (Channel) England area.

For more information on the project, visit the LabFact website or the University of Sussex Chemistry website.

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