Materials chemistry is a vibrant area of research at the OU. We have an extensive track record in working synergistically with both industrial and academic partners.
Key themes of our research include:
- Catalysis research, focusing on the synthesis and characterisation of bimetallic catalysts for fuel cells and catalytic converters. We also have interests in characterising porous materials and surfaces.
- Condensed matter theory
- Green chemistry and resource efficiency research, focusing on recovery of high value chemicals from waste and biomass.
- Nanomaterials and nanocomposites, focusing on novel materials and their uses
- Organosilicon research, focusing on new materials and coatings based on silsesquioxanes, biomimetic organosilicon chemistry, the development of novel HPLC phases and the mechanism of substitution at silicon.
- Polymer processing and structure development research, focusing on understanding and predicting the effects of molecular variables during polymer processing.
- Supramolecular chemistry research, focusing on luminescent sensors and probes, and photoactive molecular devices.
Qualifications available:
PhD or MPhil
Fees:
For detailed information on current fees visit
Fees and funding.
Entry requirements:
Minimum 2:1 (or equivalent)
Potential research projects
- Molecular imprinted polymers for clean-up of biological samples
- Electrospinning of biomimetic nanofibers
Current/recent research projects
- Production of novel HPLC phases
- Characterisation of a novel silsesquioxane fabrication
- Biocatalysis at silicon
- Development and analysis of recognition polymers
- Lanthanide complexes as incorporated luminescent detectors
- Understanding and improving reactivity of low platinum group metal three-way catalysts
- Supported catalysts for the recovery of valuable chemicals from wastes