- 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.
In my group we have two main strands of research: spectroscopy, particularly Raman spectroscopy, and nano-/micro-structured materials. These interests converge when we develop new materials for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). We have worked on making Raman spectroscopy a quantitative analytical technique for more than 2 decades, taking advantage of Raman’s unique advantages to study the structure and composition of molecular materials. We have a particular interest in developing techniques suitable for analysing challenging real world samples.
|
Professor Steven E.J. Bell
|
- Antibiotic synthesis
- Antimicrobial peptide synthesis
- Development of novel enzyme probes
The Cochrane lab use the tools of organic synthesis and molecular biology to to develop new antimicrobial compounds and targets. Our current research interests includes the synthesis of novel antimicrobial and anticancer peptides. This allows us to determine their bioactivity and how they exert their therapeutic effect. We also develop new tools to study bacterial glycolipid-processing enzymes. These are an interesting class of enzymes that process lipid-linked substrates and several are current or potential antibiotic targets.
|
Dr Stephen Cochrane
|
- Elucidation of reaction mechanism
- Rationally improving catalysis using first principles understanding
- Expanding scope and application of catalytic transformations.
Our lab studies the mechanisms of homogeneous catalytic reactions using a combination of experimental, kinetic, and computational techniques. By establishing a first principles understanding of a process we then hope to rationally improve upon it.
|
Dr Paul Dingwall
|
- Catalysis
- Reaction Engineering
His research focuses on reaction engineering and catalysis, with projects on automotive after-treatment, energy and investigation of catalytic reactions mechanisms. In addition, he has developed new techniques to investigate mechanisms for typical lab scale powdered catalysts all the way to industrially relevant structured monolith catalysts both under transient and steady state realistic conditions. His work is multi-disciplinary with national and international collaboration with chemists, physicists and mechanical engineers. He is co-investigator in the newly created and EPSRC funded UK Catalysis Hub. His work is funded by EPSRC, EU, industry and local government.
|
Professor Alexandre Goguet
|
- 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.
My research interests encompass the design and use of ionic liquid materials as enabling technologies to address challenges in green, sustainable production of chemicals and energy products that have ranged from accessing cellulosic biomass to scrubbing mercury from natural gas. I am particularly interested in the use of neutron scattering (collaborating with scientists from the Disordered Materials Group at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source) to understand the liquid structure and behaviour of ionic liquids at the atomic scale.
|
Professor John Holbrey
|
- Developing novel polymerisable building blocks for Molecular Imprinting
- Bioanalysis
- Affinity separations
- Sensors
- Catalysis
- Polymeric sorbents for environmental clean-up
- Nutrient recovery and recycling
Developing novel polymerisable building blocks for Molecular Imprinting for applications in bioanalysis, affinity separations, sensors, catalysis, and polymeric sorbents for environmental clean-up.
|
Prof. Panagiotis Manesiotis
|
- Heterogeneous Catalysis
- Ionic liquids
- Sustainable Energy
- Biomass valorisation
- Selective Hydrogenations
- Oxidations, Alkylations and Esterification processes
- Batch and continuous flow processes
My research interests are in the area of heterogeneous Catalysis and Green Chemical Processes with projects in Energy, biofuels, fuel additives and renewable chemicals. We focus on the design and development of new and better catalysts and chemical processes based on the fundamental aspects of Structure-Activity relationship investigated using in situ operando ATR-FTIR and neutron scattering spectroscopic techniques. We have projects in developing batch and continuous flow platforms for production of APIs, fine and speciality chemicals and bio-fuels.
|
Dr Haresh Manyar
|
-
Catalysis for sustainable chemical synthesis and artificial metalloenzymes
-
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
I am interested in the construction of catalysts that are unsusual and/or inspired by nature. This includes the mixing of biocatalysis and chemocatalysis to form hybrids, (like artificial metalloenzymes) and mixed systems, and the investigation of ionic liquid gels as catalysts. We characterise the catalysts and test them in reactions to prepare organic chemicals in a more sustainable way. We endeavor to improve catalysts by systematic molecular design and modification.
|
Dr Andrew C. Marr
|
- Electroceramics
- Magnetic nanoparticles
- Catalytic membrane reactors
- Heterogeneous catalysis
- Solid state electrochemistry
My research interests are in the area of catalytic membrane reactors for methane activation and CO2 capture. I work primarily with electroceramic membranes of the perovskite structure and I am particularly interested in the development of hydrogen permeable membranes for the production of ultra-pure hydrogen. In addition I have an interest in engineering aspects of membrane reactor technology, such as reactor design and sealing in order to optimise the reactor performance and lifetime.
I have also an interest in ceramic magnetic nanoparticles for medical and refrigeration applications.
|
Dr Danai Poulidi
|
-
This research area is idea for candidates, with a chemistry background, who want to develop their skills as synthetic organic chemists. Experience in robust methodology development and incorporating this into the design of efficient chemical synthesis will be the key goal. Candidates will gain experience in compound purification and characterisation by modern techniques
The main focus of the Stevenson research groups is to develop new synthetic methods to expedite the synthesis of architecturally complex bioactive organic compounds. Biocatalysis has recently been employed to effect chemical transformations that would be impossible by traditional methods. This research gives efficient access to novel new materials that would not be available from any other means.
|
Professor Paul J Stevenson
|
-
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
My main research interests are in improving liquid and gas phase catalytic processes by better understanding the relationship between the structure of the catalyst or the reator system used, and the observed activity and selectivity of the reaction. Batch and continuous reactors are used to prepare APIs and gas phase catalysis is used for pollution remediation studies.
|
Dr Jillian Thompson
|
- Catalysis and sustainable methods in chemistry
Catalytic reactions can have an impact in a wide range of areas, helping to facilitate processes ranging from energy production to the synthesis of medicines. I am particularly interested in selective oxidation reactions and the development of processes which use sustainable oxidants such as molecular oxygen or peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide. Projects in the group address different challenges associated with this area, with students gaining knowledge in areas such as synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical-organic chemistry (kinetics & spectroscopy) and reaction engineering.
|
Dr Mark Muldoon
|
- Synthetic, macromolecular and supramolecular chemistry
Synthetic organic chemistry, with a focus on asymmetric synthesis, functional macromolecules, foldamers and supramolecular chemistry.
|
Dr Peter Knipe
|
- Photocatalysis, redox catalysis, solar to chemical energy conversion, optical indicators
Dye and semiconductor photochemistry - in particular the use of semiconductors as photocatalysts in water and air purification and in selective organic oxidations; electrochemical sensor development for electroactive gases, such as hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine etc.; colourimetric and fluorimetric sensor development for gases of interest in clinical analysis (such as O2, CO2, NO and anaesthetic gases); design, synthesis, characterisation and mechanistic studies of new inorganic materials for catalysing redox reactions - including reactions involving hydrogen, oxygen and chlorine evolution; oxidative and reductive dissolution processes of inorganic materials; novel biphasic catalytic and photocatalytic systems for organic oxidation reactions.
|
Professor Andrew Mills
|
- CO2 capture and conversion
- Biochar production and applications
- Plastics
- Biomass thermal chemical conversion
Biomass pyrolysis, gasification; Waste plastics thermal chemical conversion; CO2 capture and conversion.
|
Dr Chunfei Wu
|
- 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
The focus of my research group based around ionic liquids and their application for the synthesis of new functional materials, in efficient separation and extraction of critical metals, as electrolytes for energy storage and in green sustainable processes and their application in industrial processes. By using ionic liquids in the selective extraction and separation of critical metals, we are developing ‘greener’, more environmentally friendly ways to separate and recover metals e.g. from waste materials (‘urban mining’).
|
Professor Peter Nockemann
|
- Functional material synthesis foe energy and sensing applications
- Molecular electrochemistry
Novel electroactive materials synthesis for energy and sensing applications
|
Dr Andrew Doherty
|
- Liquid and gas separation and purification
- Phase equilibria
- Water purification
- Ionic liquids
- Deep eutectic solvents
The Moura research group targets energy reduction and process improvements. Their main focus is on the development and testing of new materials that can reduce the environmental and energy impact of current operations, specifically in gas separation and scrubbing. The group designs sustainable liquid materials such as ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents for application in challenging gas and liquid separations processes. Some examples are biogas upgrading, capture of VOCs, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and water desalination processes.
|
Dr Leila Moura
|
- Photocatalytic treatment of air, potable and waste water with particular focus on reactor engineering
- Photocatalytic methods for solar energy conversion and storage
My main research interests are focused on photocatalytic technology for both energy and water sustainability. This work has encompasses basic research on photocatalytic processes through to pilot process development for water treatment and for solar energy conversion and storage. I am also involved in work on in-situ sensors for environmental applications
|
Professor Peter Robertson
|
- Chemical engineering
- CFD modelling
- Particle technology/ engineering
- Population balance modelling
- Discrete element modelling
Our research focuses on use of particle engineering to design systems and products for solving some of the challenging problems in the industry for example pharmaceutical, food, water treatment, energy industries. For example we design particulate products that can be used as adsorbents for the removal of dyes and heavy metals from waste water; formulations that can be used enhance drug delivery, material that can be applied as storage systems for gases or carbon capture. Different modelling techniques such as discrete Element Modelling (DEM) and Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are used as tools for the research.
|
Dr Chirangano Mangwandi
|
- Computational Chemistry and Biology
- Enzyme Engineering
- Biocatalysis
- Rational Drug Design
- Photocatalytis
- Statistical algorithm and Machine Learning for prediction of catalyst functions
Structure functionality relationship; Cheminformatics and Bioinformatics; structure-based rational molecular design. Current projects included rational enzyme engineering; Photocatalysis for sustainable energy; Developing computational methods to for the design of bioactive peptides/repeat proteins targeting virus entry, structure- and ligand-based design of novel drug therapies for emerging drug targets.
|
Dr Meilan Huang
|
- Chemistry
- Materials
- Chemical engineering
Porous liquids are a new class of materials that, counterintuitively, combine permanent porosity with fluidity. As such they may ultimately be useful for continuous separation processes, for example. They were conceived and demonstrated at Queen’s University Belfast and the James group is actively exploring both the fundamental science of these new materials as well as their potential applications. Mechanochemistry involves the initiation of chemical reactions through mechanical means. It is currently undergoing a renaissance due to its potential for more sustainable processes (since little or no solvent is needed) as well as the need for greater basic understanding of mechanochemical reactions.
Porous liquids, mechanochemistry, MOFs, zeolites, gases, ball mills, twin screw extruder
|
Prof. Stuart James
|
- Electrocatalysis
- Electroanalysis Redox
- Flow Cells
- Fuel Cells
- Bioelectrochemistry
In our laboratory we are interested to develop new and improved molecular electrocatalysts for electrochemical reactions of relevance to global sustainability. We use a combination of electrochemical, spectroscopic, and computational chemistry techniques to design, test and optimise the performance of molecular catalysts for specific chemical reactions, for example the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) which is important in fuel cell and metal-air battery technologies. In many cases, we take inspiration from the catalytic function of enzymes whose active sites provide the blueprint for the design of effective synthetic molecular catalysts for chemical reactions of importance to energy, sensing and green chemistry.
Electrochemistry, molecular catalysis, electroanalytical chemistry, batteries, fuel cells
|
Dr Paul Kavanagh
|
- Synthesis and characterisation of functional lipid-based nanoparticles
- Design and fabrication of super-selective probes
- Molecular imprinting
- Dynamic combinatorial chemistry
My research interests lie in the interdisciplinary field of nanobiotechnology with a strong emphasis on translational medicine. We focus on developing lipid-based functional nanomaterials and studying their interactions with biological systems to address needs in medicine and biotechnology. We use concepts and tools from lipid membrane biophysics, molecular imprinting, and dynamic combinatorial chemistry.
Molecular recognition, Molecular imprinting, Dynamic combinatorial chemistry, Liposome, Supported lipid bilayer
|
Dr Seyed Tabaei
|
- DNA analogue synthesis, delivery and solid state NMR
In collaboration with the School of Pharmacy (Professor Helen McCarthy), we are developing methods which will allow the delivery of phosphorylated drugs and prodrugs to cancer via nanoparticles. Our specific interest is in the modification of nucleic acids with selenium which increases the nuclease stability of DNA and RNA but can enable drug release upon encountering the pathophysiological conditions encountered in the tumour microenvironment. Selenium also provides valuable structural information about biologically-active conformations both in solution and crystalline material.
DNA, RNA, nucleic acid, selenium, formulation, cancer, drug delivery
|
Dr Joseph S. Vyle
|
- Functional materials for energy utilization
- Therapeutic applications
- GHG reduction
- Heterogenous adsorption/catalysis
We are interested in development of functional materials and approaches for therapeutic applications, energy storage, carbon capture, methane reduction, and water treatment. For example, using MOFs for drug delivery, CO2 and H2 adsorption; modification of carbon materials for removal of metal ions in water; using porous polymers for nitric oxide delivery; making nanoparticles for enhancing F-T reaction.
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
|
Dr Bo Xiao
|
- Synthetic Organic Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Earth and transition metal catalysis
- Superacid catalysis
- Cancer drug discovery
Research in the McLaughlin group is focused on two key areas:
The invention and utilisation of novel sustainable catalytic methodologies for the synthesis of high value molecules.
The discovery and development of small molecule binders to interact with new biological targets. Work is ongoing in a range of diseases including cancer, neurodegeneration and antimicrobial resistance.
organic chemistry, catalysis, drug discovery
|
Dr Mark McLaughlin
|
Open to PhD applications in the fields of renewable energy, fuel cells, materials, hydrogen, biogas processing, biochar, Energy systems and Negative Emissions Technologies.
My research focuses on energy systems, particularly those at the interface between renewable energy generation, agri-tech and manufacturing. Combined, these provide a route to achieving net-zero and addressing climate change across many parts of the world.
net zero, carbon neutrality, energy, anaerobic digestion, biogas
|
David Rooney
|
- Polymer electrolyte fuel cells
- Ionic liquids
- Redox flow batteries
- In-situ and operando characterisation of electrochemical devices
- Low-temperature water electrolysers
My research focus is the application of ionic liquids to electrochemical devices, in pursuit of adopting new functional materials that accelerate our transition to net zero. A primary aim is to understand the potential for protic and polymerised ionic liquids to add value as components in hydrogen-related technologies, such as fuel cells and electrolysers. We use chemical synthesis, advanced characterisation techniques (e.g., X-ray computed tomography, micro-Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and multiphysics simulation to probe interfaces in electrochemical environments.
fuel cells, hydrogen, ionic liquids, PILs, Poly(IL)s, membranes, electrocatalysts, electrolysers, FT-IR, raman, X-ray CT, EIS
|
Dr Josh J Bailey
|
