Find a PhD Supervisor

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Find a PhD Supervisor

Find a PhD Supervisor

Professor Steven E.J. Bell

Dr Stephen Cochrane

Dr Paul Dingwall

Professor Alexandre Goguet

Professor John Holbrey

Prof. Panagiotis Manesiotis

Dr Haresh Manyar

Dr Andrew C. Marr

Dr Danai Poulidi

Dr Jillian Thompson

Dr Mark Muldoon

Dr Peter Knipe

Professor Andrew Mills

Dr Chunfei Wu

Professor Peter Nockemann

Dr Andrew Doherty

Dr Leila Moura

Professor Peter Robertson

Dr Chirangano Mangwandi

Dr Meilan Huang

Prof. Stuart James

Dr Paul Kavanagh

Dr Seyed Tabaei

Dr Joseph S. Vyle

Dr Bo Xiao

Dr Mark McLaughlin

David Rooney

Dr Josh J Bailey

Marijana Blesic

Kevin Morgan

Dr Efrosyni Themistou

Dr Meei Mei (Nicole) Gui

Abul Hassan Quddusi

Dr Hannah S. N. Crory

Dr Mark Berney

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Supervisor	Research Opportunities	School	Department
Professor Steven E.J. Bell School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Research centred on the major strands of current research including Raman spectroscopy, nanostructured materials, nan...	Open to PhD applications in: Research centred on the major strands of current research including Raman spectroscopy, nanostructured materials, nanoparticle synthesis, medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, food analysis, phototherapy, forensics, applications of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Stephen Cochrane School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Antibiotic synthesis Antimicrobial peptide synthesis Development of novel enzyme probes	Open to PhD applications in: Antibiotic synthesis Antimicrobial peptide synthesis Development of novel enzyme probes	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Paul Dingwall School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Elucidation of reaction mechanism Rationally improving catalysis using first principles understanding Expanding scope...	Open to PhD applications in: Elucidation of reaction mechanism Rationally improving catalysis using first principles understanding Expanding scope and application of catalytic transformations.	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Professor Alexandre Goguet School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Catalysis Reaction Engineering	Open to PhD applications in: Catalysis Reaction Engineering	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Professor John Holbrey School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering I am open to PhD applications across all aspects of the development of ionic liquids for sustainable and green chemistry applied to catalysis, sepa...	I am open to PhD applications across all aspects of the development of ionic liquids for sustainable and green chemistry applied to catalysis, separations, and energy applications, and in the use of neutron scattering/isotopic substitution to study disordered (liquid and glassy) materials.	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Prof. Panagiotis Manesiotis School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Developing novel polymerisable building blocks for Molecular Imprinting Bioanalysis Affinity separations Sensors Cata...	Open to PhD applications in: Developing novel polymerisable building blocks for Molecular Imprinting Bioanalysis Affinity separations Sensors Catalysis Polymeric sorbents for environmental clean-up Nutrient recovery and recycling Applications of solid-state NMR	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Haresh Manyar School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Heterogeneous Catalysis Ionic liquids Sustainable Energy Biomass valorisation Selective Hydrogenations Oxidations, Al...	Open to PhD applications in: Heterogeneous Catalysis Ionic liquids Sustainable Energy Biomass valorisation Selective Hydrogenations Oxidations, Alkylations and Esterification processes Batch and continuous flow processes	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Andrew C. Marr School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Catalysis for sustainable chemical synthesis and artificial metalloenzymes. We are actively engaged in the design of c...	Open to PhD applications in: Catalysis for sustainable chemical synthesis and artificial metalloenzymes. We are actively engaged in the design of catalysts for cleaner fluorination reactions for pharmaceuticals, design and preparation of artificial metalloenzymes, and the preparation and heterogenization of catalytic ionic liquids.	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Danai Poulidi School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Electroceramics Magnetic nanoparticles Catalytic membrane reactors Heterogeneous catalysis Solid state elect...	Open to PhD applications in: Electroceramics Magnetic nanoparticles Catalytic membrane reactors Heterogeneous catalysis Solid state electrochemistry	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Jillian Thompson School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Liquid and gas phase catalytic reactions Pollution remediation particularly for renewable energies Using batch a...	Open to PhD applications in: Liquid and gas phase catalytic reactions Pollution remediation particularly for renewable energies Using batch and continuous flow reactors for API manufacture Understanding catalysis using structure - activity relationships	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Mark Muldoon School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications related to Catalysis and sustainable methods in chemistry Projects could involve fundamental studies, e.g. discovery of ...	Open to PhD applications related to Catalysis and sustainable methods in chemistry Projects could involve fundamental studies, e.g. discovery of new catalysts and detailed mechanistic investigations of catalytic reactions. Projects could also invole more applied aspects (e.g. continuous flow processes) and collaboration with industrial partners.	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Peter Knipe School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD and Postdoc applications in: Synthetic, macromolecular and supramolecular chemistry I am also willing to consider undergraduate appli...	Open to PhD and Postdoc applications in: Synthetic, macromolecular and supramolecular chemistry I am also willing to consider undergraduate applications for summer projects.	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Professor Andrew Mills School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Photocatalysis, redox catalysis, solar to chemical energy conversion, optical indicators But, only students with the...	Open to PhD applications in: Photocatalysis, redox catalysis, solar to chemical energy conversion, optical indicators But, only students with their own full funding need apply.	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Chunfei Wu School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: CO2 capture and conversion Biochar production and applications Plastics Biomass thermal chemical conversion	Open to PhD applications in: CO2 capture and conversion Biochar production and applications Plastics Biomass thermal chemical conversion	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Professor Peter Nockemann School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Redox Flow Battery - synthesis and characterisation of new high-power-density electrolytes Separation of critical met...	Open to PhD applications in: Redox Flow Battery - synthesis and characterisation of new high-power-density electrolytes Separation of critical metals with new sustainable extractants such as ionic liquids F-element chemistry and luminescence (lanthanides and actinides) 3) Sodium semi-solid-state batteries - developing electrolytes and devices Ionothermal synthesis of polynuclear metal complexes - new approaches for the synthesis of molecular magnets using ionic liquids Nanocatalysts for conversion of CO2 to hydrocarbons Generally, we are working in the following areas and can offer PhD topics in: Recovery of Critical Metals: Developing More Sustainable Processes for Recycling and Urban Mining Several metals belong to the group of critical raw materials which have a high risk in the security of supply and economic importance. Rare earth metals, for example, are widespread worldwide, but rarely accumulate in concentrations high enough for economic mining; at the same time, they have widespread usage e.g. in electronics, displays, magnets in hybrid cars and windmills, superconductors, in batteries and as catalysts. Recycling rates for many critical metals are currently low and involve challenging separation processes using strong acids, harsh conditions and volatile solvents. Ionic liquids have a great potential as alternative and more environmentally benign solvents for the selective rare and precious high-tech metal extraction, separation and processing. We are exploring and evaluating the utilisation of novel functionalised ionic liquids as alternative and environmentally benign separation media, e.g. to efficiently do “urban mining” utilising electronic metal scrap as an industrial waste stream. Energy Storage: Improving Electrolytes for Efficient Redox Flow Batteries As the demand for and implementation of renewable energy grows, so too does demand for solutions which can store this energy in order to regulate when it is used. Redox Flow Batteries are fast becoming a preferred choice for suppliers, especially for sources of renewable energies. A major cost factor and limitation for the next generation of redox-flow batteries based on vanadium is the electrolyte, which is often the issue for the lower energy densities of VRBs in comparison to other battery types. Our research into new formulation of electrolytes allows us to significantly improved energy densities, that is currently one of the limitations of these redox-flow battery systems. These electrolytes have also advantages in terms of their low flammability and electrochemical long-term stability. Ionothermal Synthesis: New Pathways to Advanced Functional Materials and Nanomaterials Ionic liquids are expanding their use to new areas such as materials chemistry and crystal engineering. Crystallisation strategies using ionic liquids are quite different from conventional organic solvents. Ionic liquids are not only replacing conventional solvents, but are also able to act as neutral solvents, templates, reactants or charge compensating species. This opens up alternative synthetic and crystallisation pathways – the synthesis in low-melting salts can be seen in analogy to solid-state synthesis using a salt as a flux. This enables new possibilities for a “gentle” solid state synthesis of inorganic compounds, for example with unusual coordination modes, low oxidation states or stabilisation of metastable compounds.	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Andrew Doherty School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Functional material synthesis foe energy and sensing applications Molecular electrochemistry	Open to PhD applications in: Functional material synthesis foe energy and sensing applications Molecular electrochemistry	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Leila Moura School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Liquid and gas separation and purification Phase equilibria Water purification Ionic liquids Deep eutectic solvents	Open to PhD applications in: Liquid and gas separation and purification Phase equilibria Water purification Ionic liquids Deep eutectic solvents	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Professor Peter Robertson School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Photocatalytic treatment of air, potable and waste water with particular focus on reactor engineering Photocatalytic ...	Open to PhD applications in: Photocatalytic treatment of air, potable and waste water with particular focus on reactor engineering Photocatalytic methods for solar energy conversion and storage	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Chirangano Mangwandi School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Chemical engineering CFD modelling Particle technology/ engineering Population balance modelling Discrete element mod...	Open to PhD applications in: Chemical engineering CFD modelling Particle technology/ engineering Population balance modelling Discrete element modelling	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Meilan Huang School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Computational Chemistry and Biology Enzyme Engineering Biocatalysis Rational Drug Design Photocatalytis Statistical a...	Open to PhD applications in: Computational Chemistry and Biology Enzyme Engineering Biocatalysis Rational Drug Design Photocatalytis Statistical algorithm and Machine Learning for prediction of catalyst functions	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Prof. Stuart James School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Chemistry Materials Chemical engineering Porous liquids, mechanochemistry, MOFs, zeolites, gases, ball mills, twin screw extruder	Open to PhD applications in: Chemistry Materials Chemical engineering	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Paul Kavanagh School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Electrocatalysis Electroanalysis Redox Flow Cells Fuel Cells Bioelectrochemistry Electrochemistry, molecular catalysis, electroanalytical chemistry, batteries, fuel cells	Open to PhD applications in: Electrocatalysis Electroanalysis Redox Flow Cells Fuel Cells Bioelectrochemistry	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Seyed Tabaei School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: Synthesis and characterisation of functional lipid-based nanoparticles Design and fabrication of super-selective prob... Molecular recognition, Molecular imprinting, Dynamic combinatorial chemistry, Liposome, Supported lipid bilayer	Open to PhD applications in: Synthesis and characterisation of functional lipid-based nanoparticles Design and fabrication of super-selective probes Molecular imprinting Dynamic combinatorial chemistry	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Joseph S. Vyle School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in: DNA analogue synthesis, delivery and solid state NMR DNA, RNA, nucleic acid, selenium, formulation, cancer, drug delivery	Open to PhD applications in: DNA analogue synthesis, delivery and solid state NMR	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Bo Xiao School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering If you are interested in studying for a PhD in the field of functional materials for energy utilization, therapeutic applications, GHG reduction, a... porous materials, polymers, metal organic framework, zeolite, activated carbon, gas/liquid phase adsorption, nanoparticle, pyrolysis, drug delivery, methane reduction, CO2 adsorption, H2 storage, battery thermal measurement, emulsification, heterogenous catalysis	If you are interested in studying for a PhD in the field of functional materials for energy utilization, therapeutic applications, GHG reduction, and heterogenous adsorption/catalysis, please directly contact me via email (b.xiao@qub.ac.uk)	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Mark McLaughlin School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in the fields of: Synthetic Organic Chemistry Medicinal Chemistry Projects available in areas including: Earth and tran... organic chemistry, catalysis, drug discovery	Open to PhD applications in the fields of: Synthetic Organic Chemistry Medicinal Chemistry Projects available in areas including: Earth and transition metal catalysis Superacid catalysis Cancer drug discovery	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
David Rooney School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in the fields of renewable energy, fuel cells, materials, hydrogen, biogas processing, biochar, Energy systems and Negativ... net zero, carbon neutrality, energy, anaerobic digestion, biogas	Open to PhD applications in the fields of renewable energy, fuel cells, materials, hydrogen, biogas processing, biochar, Energy systems and Negative Emissions Technologies.	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Josh J Bailey School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Polymer electrolyte fuel cells Ionic liquids Redox flow batteries In-situ and operando characterisation of electrochemical devices Low-temperature... fuel cells, hydrogen, ionic liquids, PILs, Poly(IL)s, membranes, electrocatalysts, electrolysers, FT-IR, raman, X-ray CT, EIS	Polymer electrolyte fuel cells Ionic liquids Redox flow batteries In-situ and operando characterisation of electrochemical devices Low-temperature water electrolysers	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Marijana Blesic School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering I welcome PhD applications in the study of multi-charge zwitterionic materials, specifically their exploration as innovative functional entities in... aggregation, phase equilibria, zwitterion, solubility, separation, micelles, anti-fouling, ionic liquids	I welcome PhD applications in the study of multi-charge zwitterionic materials, specifically their exploration as innovative functional entities in the development of surface layers and delivery systems for applications in biotechnology and medicine.	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Kevin Morgan School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Chemical Education research in the fields of lab based education, impact of outreach, the role of project based learning in supporting the curricul... laboratory instruction, testing/assessment, student-centered learning, practical work, project based learning, outreach	Chemical Education research in the fields of lab based education, impact of outreach, the role of project based learning in supporting the curriculum and the application of Universal Design for Learning.	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Efrosyni Themistou School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in the fields of… Polymer synthesis using advanced polymerisation techniques Well-defined polymeric nanostructur... polymer synthesis, biomaterials, polymeric nanoparticles, pharmaceutical formulations, biomedical applications	Open to PhD applications in the fields of… Polymer synthesis using advanced polymerisation techniques Well-defined polymeric nanostructures Amphiphilic block copolymer self-assembly Degradable polymers Hydrogels Biomaterials Polymer-protein interactions Polymer biomedical applications Polymeric pharmaceutical formulations Polymeric matrices for tissue engineering	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Meei Mei (Nicole) Gui School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in the fields of… CO2 capture and reduction Process and computational modelling of CO2 capture and reduction rel... CO2 capture and reduction, process simulation, life cycle analysis, hydrogen energy	Open to PhD applications in the fields of… CO2 capture and reduction Process and computational modelling of CO2 capture and reduction related process Life cycle analysis Hydrogen energy	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Abul Hassan Quddusi School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in the fields of… CO2 capture and utilisation Advance cryogenic separation technologies Sustainable biogas proce... CO2 capture, cryogenic technology, biogas utilisation, carbon conversion, net zero energy, renewable fuels	Open to PhD applications in the fields of… CO2 capture and utilisation Advance cryogenic separation technologies Sustainable biogas processing Carbon-neutral and net-zero energy systems Renewable fuels and green chemical synthesis Circular carbon economy and climate solutions	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Hannah S. N. Crory School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in the fields of… Dynamic materials Antibacterial/antibiofouling mechanisms Sensors dynamic materials, supramolecular chemistry, antimicrobial processes, antibiofouling materials	Open to PhD applications in the fields of… Dynamic materials Antibacterial/antibiofouling mechanisms Sensors	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Dr Mark Berney School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Open to PhD applications in the fields of… Organic synthesis of modified nucleotides for use in RNA/DNA therapeutics Chemical probes for ... organic synthesis, RNA therapeutics, mRNA vaccines, RNA-protein interactions, DNA damage repair, nucleic acids chemistry	Open to PhD applications in the fields of… Organic synthesis of modified nucleotides for use in RNA/DNA therapeutics Chemical probes for studying biological processes relating to nucleic acids, especially translation of mRNA and repair of DNA damage Detection and modulation of RNA-protein interactions Green synthesis of DNA and RNA	School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering