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Research in the Department of Chemical and Forensic Sciences occurs in the areas of analytical , bio-organic chemistry and catalysis and surface science , forensic , inorganic , organic , polymer and theoretical chemistry . Synthetic chemistry and the molecular characterisation of materials occurs in most of these areas. Staff in the department enjoy wide-ranging collaboration with research staff in other departments of the University, with other universities, both national and international and with industry.
Chemical
analysis and characterisation of materials emerging from synthetic work is
supported by a range of spectroscopic methods (see
facilities
).
Mass Spectrometry
In addition to the structural elucidation of materials, organic ions in the gas phase are being studied by mass spectrometry, with particular emphasis on novel ion structures. These mechanistic studies often use stable isotopes to follow the fate of individual atoms in the reaction. The timing of bond-breaking and bond-making steps is being probed by isotope effects. Related projects on isotope labeling are being pursued at the interface of mass spectrometry and Raman/IR spectroscopy.
Molecular Spectroscopy and Structural Analysis
Raman and infrared vibrational spectroscopy are being applied to the study and characterisation of polymeric materials, bio-polymers, organometallic species, transition metal co-ordination compounds, and biologically important materials. Studies of materials of archaeological and historical relevance, and of their degradation under environmental conditions, are also being undertaken. Collaborative work in these areas is being pursued with the university departments of pharmacy, environmental science, archaeological science, biomedical sciences and the IRC in polymer science.
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Multinuclear NMR is used to support characterisation of natural products and materials emerging from organic synthesis generally.
X-ray diffractometry
The department has modern and extensive x-ray diffraction facilities and these are being applied to the structural elucidation of transition metal co-ordination compounds, organometallic substances and polymeric materials.
Research in bio-organic chemistry centres on the separation, the structure elucidation by multi-nuclear NMR spectroscopy and other physical methods, and the synthesis and chemistry of natural products isolated from the culture media of tropical Xylariaceous fungi. In collaborative projects with the Cancer Research Unit a number of the secondary metabolites and/or synthetic analogues are being evaluated as potential drugs for the treatment of breast, ovarian and colon tumours.
Catalysis, Particle Technology and Surface Science
Current work includes studies of homogeneous and heterogeneous photo-catalytic processes of importance in environmental contexts; and the photo-catalytic degradation of halogen-containing organic molecules such as pesticide residues on land, in rivers and streams, and in the atmosphere. Related work in solid-state chemistry examines the activities of various solids as photo-catalysts, and utilises microscopy and X-ray diffraction methods to examine their structures.
Theoretical and applied electrochemical studies include novel metal deposition processes, embracing spectroscopic and kinetic aspects of transition metal complexes of relevance to such systems.
Some of these projects are carried out in collaboration with the University's Departments of Chemical and Mechanical Engineering.
This area of research builds on those of synthetic chemistry and molecular spectroscopy and is particularly focused on the development of reagents for the detection and enhancement of substances deposited in latent marks. It also includes the application of analytical methods to the detection and identification of trace substances. The validation of methods for the presumptive testing of body fluids involves collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Science and the Forensic Science Service.
Inorganic synthesis includes the preparation of organo-metallic compounds for metal-based catalysts and of bio-mimetic systems.
Organic synthesis underpins most of the research programmes in organic chemistry. Topics include the biologically directed synthesis of anti-cancer drugs, the synthesis of novel natural products with biological activity and deuterium labeled compounds for probing mass spectral fragmentation mechanisms. Procedures are being developed using Green Chemistry and ionic solvents for the stereo-specific synthesis of organic molecules.
Polymer science deals with the formation and behaviour of substances composed of large molecules. These include the synthetic polymers which constitute the basis of man-made fibres, plastics, paints, coating materials, adhesives and elastomers.
Our own main areas of interest are the synthesis of speciality polymers and their precursors, and the characterisation of polymers and co-polymers by spectroscopic, chromatographic and other methods for the evaluation of structure-property relationships. The synthesis and characterisation of precursors to materials useful in enhancement of latent images within forensic and crime scene investigation form an important component of these studies.
Molecular simulation in the department includes algorithm development, the testing of statistical mechanical theory, modeling processes of significant industrial importance and modeling of physical processes to generate information which would otherwise be difficult or impossible to obtain from experiment. Simulation is being applied to the transport properties of fluids, particularly fluids confined in porous materials typically used extensively in the petroleum and chemical process industries as catalysts and adsorbents. A detailed understanding of the complexities of diffusional behaviour in porous materials is essential for the design of improved catalytic and adsorption processes.
All academic staff are involved in one or more of the areas of research outlined above. Further details of the research interests and activities of each staff member can be found by following the links below.
Link to Academic's Research Page
Research Interests
Email address
Organic
synthesis
Mass spectrometry
Forensic
chemistry
Synthesis of polymer precursors
Raman
and IR spectroscopy
Forensic analysis
Stereospecific
organic synthesis
Green Chemistry
Organic
synthesis of anti-cancer drugs
NMR spectroscopy
Natural product chemistry
Inorganic
synthesis
X-ray diffractometry
Dr T. Munshi
Dr. R. Wolstenholme
The Department is located in the Horton Building of the Main Campus and is equipped with extensive facilities for molecular and supramolecular characterisation of materials. Instrumentation supporting research includes:
Siemens X-ray powder diffraction and single crystal diffractometers
Nikon Phase contrast and polarising hot-stage photomicroscopes
MS902 double-focussing mass spectrometer with database
JEOL GX 270 Multinuclear Fourier Transform NMR spectrometer
Malvern Lo-C photo-correlation particle size analyser
Perkin Elmer DSC4 Differential scanning calorimeter
Perkin Elmer TGS2 thermal gravimetric analyser
JEOL ESR spectrometer with cryo-probe
Bruker Fourier Transform Raman spectrometer
Gallai particle characterisation system
Nikon-Lucia image analysis system
Raman microprobe
GPC and HPLC
Applicants will be expected to hold a good honours degree (or its equivalent; for example, Graduate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry) in chemistry or a related subject relevant to their proposed research. Applicants are invited to contact Professor Howell Edwards, Director of Research for details of research programs or to arrange a visit.
last updated 09 August, 2007 Web: Site- Manager