Functional Materials

Introduction

Materials studied include catalytic solids, adsorbents, dental materials, various  biomaterials, refractory solids, photoactive solids and others.  Much of the work involves surface science and other structure determining techniques, some of which are accessed through Central Facilities.  We carry out modeling work, much of it as part of national networks of researchers, and link the work to synthetic programmes  In the Department we have single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, as well as small angle X-ray diffraction (SAXS) and high resolution scanning electron microscopy for materials characterization.  Other techniques, including adsorption calorimetry, microwave thermal analysis, and many other routine methods are also available.  Transmission electron microscopy is accessible in the University.

Research active staff run their research programmes under the umbrella of the Institute of Materials, Medicines and Molecular Sciences, through which internal funding is allocated and overall policy agreed.  Extensive collaboration is in place with colleagues in the commercial wing of the Department, IPOS (Innovative Physical Organic Solution).