The QUILL Research Centre (Queen’s University Ionic Liquid Laboratories) was established in 1999 by Professors Ken Seddon and Jim Swindall, making it the world’s first research centre dedicated to ionic liquids.

Housed within the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, QUILL brings together ten research groups led by independent principal investigators, along with four Honorary Academics: Dr. Nimal Gunaratne, Dr. Nancy Artioli, Prof. Paul Davey, and Prof. Doug MacFarlane, FRS.

Our research focuses on ionic liquids and expands into other advanced liquid and amorphous materials, including deep eutectic solvents, gels, liquid coordination complexes, and zwitterionic salts. We combine interdisciplinary fundamental research on liquid-state properties with strong industry partnerships to tackle some of today’s most pressing technological challenges.

In our fundamental work, we collaborate extensively with UK's Large Facilities: ISIS Neutron and Muon Source and Diamond Light Source, as well as international research groups.

Our applied research is focused on six areas that map onto UN Sustainable Development Goals to deliver clean water, sustainable energy and circular economy of key resources:

	Clean Water Liquid and solid materials for the removal of contaminants from fresh and produced water.		Energy Storage Advanced liquids for modern electrolytes in batteries and stationary energy storage.		Advanced Materials Liquids as materials: anti-fouling coatings, dynamic fragrances, phase-change materials and surfactants.
Hydrogen Integrating ionic liquid in fuel cells for the production of hydrogen		Circular Economy Recovering useful building blocks from waste materials.		Metal Separations Securing supply of critical elements with emphasis of valorisation of waste streams.