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Department of Chemistry
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Functional Materials

We develop and study materials that provide solutions for engineering, healthcare, energy, optoelectronics, personal care and catalysis applications.

Our expertise spans self-assembling molecules (gels, nanoparticles, ionic liquids), synthetic and biological polymers, metal complexes and inorganic solids.

Our work involves:

  • Developing and optimising new synthetic routes towards materials
  • Understanding the relationship between a material's composition, structure, and their chemical and physical properties
  • Designing new materials with specific functions and applications

The materials and applications we explore include:

  • Supramolecular gels and nanoparticles as novel delivery agents
  • Bio-based polymers for applications in plastics and liquid formulations
  • Porous materials for metal capture
  • Main-group polymers for energy and high temperature applications
  • Ionic liquid crystals
  • Mixed-metal oxides for photoelectrocatalysis
  • Stimuli-responsive hydrogels as tissue-engineering scaffolds
  • Glycans and carbohydrate-active enzymes

Collaborations & Infrastructure

Our research is interdisciplinary, bringing together a diverse set of techniques for synthesis, properties analysis, materials modelling and device development, underpinned by the University of York core facilities, including the Chemistry Analytical Facilities, the Centre of Excellence in Mass Spectrometry, the York JEOL Nanocentre and the York Structural Biology Laboratory.

We work collaboratively with colleagues from across the University’s departments, research institutions around the world, and from Industry. Our strong industrial engagement (e.g., through UKRI Prosperity Partnerships, Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing (SCHEMA) Hub) supports the translation of fundamental materials' chemistry towards commercial materials.

We work closely with the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence and with the Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories and the Department of Environment and Geography to develop materials from renewable feedstocks and understand their impact on the environment.

We also link with departmental themes including Green Synthesis and Catalysis for a Sustainable Future and Technologies for Molecular Measurement.

We are actively involved in relevant Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs): Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (CSHP), and Process Industries Net Zero (PINZ).

Staff