Our chemistry research and expertise
Our staff are at the forefront of turning discovery into applied materials science.
Why Manchester Met?
Our vibrant research community brings together academics, students and industry partners. Together, they make a meaningful impact on today’s biggest issues.
As a masters student you’ll:
- learn at the cutting edge of advanced materials from leaders in the field
- work with our team of expert academics and take part in research projects that matter
- conduct research in our specialist laboratories, occasionally in partnership with our industry connections
- boost your employability prospects
What research could I be involved in?
Here’s a sample of current and previous research projects.
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Electrochemistry
- Molecular zeptoelectrochemistry — making the world’s smallest electrochemical platform, yet the most successful for use within water splitting.
- Design and synthesis of novel nanomaterials for water splitting, CO2 reduction, nitrate reduction.
- Advancing nanomaterials for electrochemical hydrogen peroxide production
- Manufacturing and testing fuel cells and electrolysers
- Rapid and scalable fabrication of fuel cell and electrolyser catalyst layers
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Advanced materials and additive manufacturing
- Cationic sensors using single-molecule electronics
- Utilising small flake sizes of 2D materials to improve simultaneous analytical detection
- Electroplating complex geometries for low-friction surfaces
- Engineering macrocyclic high-performance pentagonal bipyramidal Dy(III) single-ion magnets.
- Additive manufacturing electrochemical systems, producing bespoke filaments (e.g. MXenes) for CO2 reduction, nitrate reduction, and other processes that occur within water splitting (e.g. HER, OER).
- 3D-Printed electrodes for membraneless water electrolysis
- Hydrogen production with a simple and scalable membraneless electrolyzer
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Sustainable synthesis and green application
- Synthesis of novel heterocyclic systems from isoquinolinium salts
- New methodologies for the biocatalysed synthesis of complex alkaloid systems: synthesis of (+)-myrtine.
- Solvent-free synthesis of zeolites
- Enhanced textiles circular economy via deep eutectic solvent pre-treatment of polyesters for high-purity monomer production
- Anaerobic digestion of recycled paper crumb and effects of digestate on concrete performance
- Testing the efficiency of novel visible light-activated photocatalytic materials against water contaminants of emerging concern
- High-silica zeolites for adsorption of organic micro-pollutants in water treatment
- Zeolite-supported ultra-small nickel as catalyst for selective oxidation of methane to syngas
- Enhancing cyclic production: Sustainable recovering of rare earth elements (used in energy and electronic devices) from coal combustion by-product waste.
Working with researchers from the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre was the highlight of my course. They're at the cutting edge of hydrogen technology working towards a carbon free future. The opportunity to work closely with leading researchers like Dr King and Dr Regmi was incredibility insightful.
Working with researchers from the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre was the highlight of my course. They're at the cutting edge of hydrogen technology working towards a carbon free future. The opportunity to work closely with leading researchers like Dr King and Dr Regmi was incredibility insightful.
Research with impact
Our goals are to generate a new understanding of materials and processes. We’ll use this knowledge to develop new applications, components and devices with novel or enhanced properties to benefit society, culture, the environment and the economy. Our research brings together a multidisciplinary group of researchers with expertise in:
- nanotechnology
- sensors
- advanced manufacturing (2D/3D printing).
- catalysis
- electrochemistry
- biosensors
- advanced functional materials
Our department has strong collaborative relationships with academic groups worldwide and the applied nature of much of our research ensures strong industry support. Importantly, the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre and PrintCity both have strong advanced materials themes and so our activities overlap significantly with these widely respected research hubs.
Making a difference beyond the classroom
With wide-ranging resources coupled with a creative, collaborative environment, we spark innovation in teaching, research and knowledge exchange. Discover how research at Manchester Met is helping to tackle sustainable packaging.Discover our research
Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre
We're changing the face of next-generation energy.
Discover our research
Meet the team
You’ll benefit from working alongside researchers and teaching staff with a diverse range of specialisms including advanced materials and surface engineering, catalysis, green chemistry and sustainability, electrochemistry and synthetic chemistry.
Dr Lubomira Tosheva
I work in the area of nanoporous materials namely; zeolites, mesoporous silica, metal-organic frameworks, and related materials. My research is focused on developing novel porous materials or controlling the properties of existing structures. I’m particularly interested in interdisciplinary applications of nanoporous materials through collaborations with other groups within the university and world-wide. Examples include:
- antimicrobial applications of nanoporous materials and corresponding polymer composites, for instance in the development of antimicrobial dentures or catheters.
- development of photocatalytic materials able to degrade organic contaminants in both liquid and gas phase
- synthesis of zeolites from waste materials for the removal of heavy metals from water
- catalytic applications, for example catalytic oxidation of methane.
- controlled drug delivery using mesoporous silica nanoparticles
I’m particularly interested in the development of sustainable approaches to zeolite synthesis, such as template-free synthesis and solvent-free methods. Recently, I reported the synthesis of a new zeolite structure which I named MMU-1 after Manchester Metropolitan University.
Professor Laurie King
I’m a materials chemist working in the field of electrocatalysis and electrochemical storage, and conversion technologies. My research is focused on developing new materials and the fundamental understanding needed to develop clean, sustainable and green technologies for a Net Zero future. More specifically, I’m focused on the design, discovery and characterisation of new materials. In particular, I’m interested in characterising these materials in fuel cells and electrolysers. This involves nanoparticle synthesis as well as extensive materials and electrochemical characterisation. My work is highly collaborative and I work with theoreticians, beamline scientists, microscopists, engineers, industrial partners and more. My interests and expertise include:
- electrocatalysis and photoelectrochemistry
- hydrogen production, carbon dioxide reduction reactions and ground water remediation.
- nano-material synthesis and characterisation
- energy storage and conversion technologies
Dr Dale Brownson
I have an interest in the electrochemistry of novel materials. My research focuses on exploring and understanding the fundamental electrochemical properties of nanomaterials and applying these materials strategically. Specifically, I work to improve performance outputs in a diverse range of applied areas within electrochemistry including various analytical sensors and energy devices.
I also have interests in materials characterisation and analytical chemistry. I’m the recipient of the 2013 RSC Ronald Belcher award and a Ramsay Memorial Fellowship for my research outputs. This includes co-authoring “The Handbook of Graphene Electrochemistry” and publishing over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles to date.
I teach on the Energy Materials unit, and am coordinator of the independent Advanced Project unit. Some of my students continue with their studies to a PhD level and some pursue work in research and development or quality assurance departments in the chemical industry.
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