Chemical process and innovation

Our experts: Emeritus Professor Brian Haynes, Associate Professor Ali Abbas, Associate Professor Jun Huang, Dr Alejandro Montoya

Our research involves designing sustainable processes for the production of fuels and chemicals through process intensification and systems engineering. Our research into reactive materials aims to bridge the gap between material properties at the atomic scale and their use in large-scale applications related to the production of energy and many different types of chemicals needed not only in industry but also in our everyday lives. By increasing our understanding of process behaviours across multiple scales, we are able to enhance, adapt and develop processes for the benefit of our health and the environment.

Our experts: Professor Yuan Chen, Professor Andrew Harris, Emeritus Professor Brian Haynes, Associate Professor Jun Huang, Associate Professor Zongwen Liu, Associate Professor Marjorie Valix, Dr Fengwang Li, Dr Alejandro Montoya, Dr David Wang 

We aim to decrease pollution and energy consumption by creating new materials and catalysts for sustainable processes involving chemical conversion, hydrocarbon transformation and reforming. Examples of our capabilities and focus include:

• translating the superior properties of carbon nanomaterials into applications that will ensure a sustainable future for humankind.
• developing new catalysts for use in processes that will ultimately ensure 'greener' and more sustainable industries.
• investigating the natural corrosion process with a view to mitigating its effects and harnessing it for more constructive purposes. 

Our experts: Professor David Fletcher, Professor Tim Langrish, Professor Dianne Wiley, Dr Alejandro Montoya

Our research uses powerful computational modelling techniques to intensify chemical processes. The multiscale modelling team holds a unique position between molecular sciences and engineering, providing many opportunities to impact a broad range of technologies including materials design, process synthesis, food processing and bulk chemical production processes.

We use techniques such as atomic, molecular and fluid dynamic computations to reveal correlations and interactions between fundamental properties and process or product efficiencies across multiple size and time scales.