Prize Scholar: Calum Patel

I am a graduate student reading for a DPhil in Chemistry under the supervision of Véronique Gouverneur. My research focuses on Fluorine Chemistry.

In the lab, I develop cost-effective and sustainable methods to synthesise fluorochemicals from cheap and safe to handle fluoride sources.  Fluorochemicals are fundamental to our daily lives (electronics, fluoropolymers, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals), yet their preparation still relies on a century-old process of converting acid-grade fluorspar (> 97% CaF₂) at elevated temperatures (300 °C) to hydrogen fluoride (HF). Accessing fluorochemicals directly from fluorspar would decrease energy requirements and streamline the current high-maintenance supply chains.

My collaborators and I have developed a new reaction to access a broad range of valuable fluorochemicals directly from acid-grade fluorspar (£0.02/g) in a manner that completely bypasses HF. The work represents a paradigm shift in fluorination chemistry with the potential to change standard practices in academia and industry to access fluorochemicals.

Since my arrival in 2020, Merton has welcomed me with a wonderful environment to grow and learn as a young researcher. I enjoy my time with friends in college and I am truly grateful for the support I have received from Merton and from my supervisor.