Synthesis

The synthesis group’s expertise lies in the synthesis and development of a diverse array of novel materials with direct applications in the chemical and health care industries, environmental, sustainability and waste issues, as well as in fundamental research. 

A key driver in their research is to establish partnerships with industry to allow the translation of a fundamental understanding of the materials and compounds they develop into new functional materials.

The group’s research is funded by a diverse range of external bodies and commercial companies and is regularly published in high impact journals. The group also has a patent portfolio of products and techniques they have pioneered.

Current research focuses on:

• Synthesis of silicone based materials such as silsesquioxane cages, and the development of a toolbox of reactions for organosilicon intermediates that have applications in the production of contact lenses and personal care products.
• Development of coordination complexes for exploration of their luminescence or paramagnetic properties for biological and technological applications.
• Synthesis of waste derived adsorbents for the removal of polluting metals and anions from water and synthesis of supported metal catalysts and enzymes for the conversion of hydrocarbon based wastes into useful chemical feedstocks.
• Development of novel metal oxide heterogeneous catalysts for the control of vehicle emissions and the water gas shift reaction.
• Synthesis of calixarene derivatives and their applications in synthesis and development of novel 1D, 2D and 3D materials.
• Synthesis of macrocyclic ligands and luminescent lanthanide ions combined with polymeric nanofibrous networks for sensor applications. 

Group members

• Dr James Bruce, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry
• Dr Nicholas Chatterton, Lecturer in Chemistry
• Dr Simon Collinson, Lecturer in Chemistry
• Dr Eleanor Crabb, Senior Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry
• Dr Nicholas Power, Lecturer in Organic Chemistry
• Professor Peter Taylor, Professor of Organic Chemistry