Chemistry for Health
Our work in this field is relevant to many industries including food, agrochemical, oilfield chemical, and pharmaceutical. Our research covers catalysis, photonic/electronic materials, biomaterials, nanomaterials, energy materials, structure-property relationships, colloids, polymers, composites and liquid crystals.
Chemistry is at the heart of collaborative research to create smart materials with a range of properties for applications in modern technologies. Through our chemistry for smart materials research theme we are discovering the limits of stability and reactivity for small molecules. Our team is also exploring the use of non-toxic biosourced microcapsules to replace petroleum-based chemicals and materials.
Chemistry for Smart Materials
Our work in this field is relevant to many industries including food, agrochemical, oilfield chemical, and pharmaceutical. Our research covers catalysis, photonic/electronic materials, biomaterials, nanomaterials, energy materials, structure-property relationships, colloids, polymers, composites and liquid crystals.
Chemistry is at the heart of collaborative research to create smart materials with a range of properties for applications in modern technologies. Through our chemistry for smart materials research theme we are discovering the limits of stability and reactivity for small molecules. Our team is also exploring the use of non-toxic biosourced microcapsules to replace petroleum-based chemicals and materials.
Examples of smart materials created within this research theme include (but are not limited to) new materials for fast switching devices, new catalysts for the synthesis of vitamin E, smart soaps, artificial leaf devices for hydrogen generation from surface-immobilised microalgae.
Chemistry for Sustainability
Chemistry is central to the manufacture of much of what we use in everyday life. By manipulating the structure of known compounds or by designing new compounds, it is possible to manufacture new materials with enhanced properties. We are using this strategy to make environmentally friendly materials, some of which are using CO2 as a feedstock.
Environmental monitoring traditionally relies on samples being taken by a specialist and brought to a laboratory facility for analysis. Available data is often rather sporadic and little is known about the trends and dynamics of geochemicals, nutrients and pollutants in our environment. Instead, we are developing chemical analysis systems for monitoring on-site. High-frequency chemical sensing will develop a fundamental understanding of the fate of pollutants in our surroundings. Together with computer scientists, we can start to predict trends and decide where to deploy mitigation efforts.
We have created new biodegradable plastics – as alternatives to traditional plastics, which take centuries to degrade. We have also established links with the circular economy. We hope our research will contribute to a better environment.