The QUILL Research Centre (Queen’s University Ionic Liquid Laboratories) is the oldest and most established centre dedicated to studying ionic liquids. It was founded in 1999 by Professors Seddon and Swindall, based on the US NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Centre model, in which pre-competitive research is supported by an Industrial Advisory Board.

QUILL currently associates 14 academics (PIs) and their research groups, based mainly in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, but also in the School of Mathematics and Physics and in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Following Professor Seddon’s passing in January 2018, directorship of QUILL was taken over by Dr Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny.

Our research, strongly rooted in ionic liquids, extends beyond to other advanced liquid and amorphous materials, such as ionogels, deep eutectic solvents and zwitterionic salts. Our research is interdisciplinary, with the focus on addressing the most urgent technological challenges of our times:

	CLEAN WATER Using IL systems to remove contaminants.		ENERGY STORAGE Advanced liquids for modern electrolytes in batteries and stationary energy storage.		ADVANCED MATERIALS New chemistries for novel materials, such as dynamic fragrances and antifouling coatings.
CO2 CAPTURE & STORAGE Reducing emissions and adding value.		PLASTIC WASTE RECYCLING Recovering useful building blocks from waste materials.		BIOMASS VALORISATION Accessing the value in our natural resources.