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Research priorities

We focus our research on four priority areas where we can make the greatest difference. Together, these strengths help us tackle global challenges, improve lives and drive scientific discovery.

Chemistry for sustainable manufacturing and the circular economy

We are advancing the chemistry needed to support a more sustainable future.

Building on the internationally recognised Cardiff Catalysis Institute, we develop new approaches to reduce emissions, use resources more efficiently and support the transition to Net Zero.

Our research includes:

  • CO₂ utilisation and conversion
  • Electro-catalysis and photocatalysis for sustainable synthesis
  • Circular economy approaches for materials and fine chemicals
  • Scale-up and translation from laboratory discovery to industrial reactors

By combining fundamental science with real-world application, we help create cleaner and more sustainable manufacturing processes.

Chemistry of functional materials for energy and electronics

We design, develop and understand materials that underpin future energy and electronic technologies.

Our expertise spans solid-state chemistry, surfaces, interfaces and advanced materials characterisation. We use these strengths to explore how materials behave and how their properties can be improved.

Our research includes:

  • Materials for batteries, hydrogen technologies and fuel cells
  • Inorganic and hybrid materials for electronics and photovoltaics
  • Advanced spectroscopy and diffraction studies
  • Understanding structure-property relationships in functional materials

This work helps accelerate innovation in energy storage, electronics and next-generation devices.

Chemistry for healthy living

We use chemistry to improve health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Our researchers discover and develop molecules that contribute to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. We also investigate the chemical processes that underpin life in both plants and animals.

Our research includes:

  • Drug discovery and molecular design
  • Disease diagnosis and therapeutic delivery systems
  • Tackling antimicrobial resistance
  • Understanding biological processes at the molecular level
  • Supporting equitable access to clean and sustainable food and water

Through collaboration across disciplines, we deliver chemistry that addresses some of society’s most pressing health challenges.

Digital and computational chemistry

We harness data, computation and automation to accelerate scientific discovery.

Digital tools are transforming the way research is conducted. Across our research community, we integrate computational approaches with experimental science to generate new insights and speed up innovation.

Our research includes:

  • AI and machine learning for catalyst and materials discovery
  • High-throughput and automated experimentation
  • Computational modelling and simulation
  • Data-driven approaches that connect theory and experiment

By embedding digital technologies across our research, we create faster, smarter and more effective ways to solve complex chemical challenges.

Our research themes are:

We explore biology at the molecular level to understand how life works and how chemistry can help tackle some of the biggest challenges in health and disease. By bringing together expertise from chemistry, biology and medicine, we uncover new knowledge and translate it into practical solutions that improve lives.

Our research focuses on the structure, function and interactions of proteins, nucleic acids and other biological molecules. We investigate the chemical processes that drive living systems and develop new ways to understand, manipulate and engineer them.

Our research strengths

We are advancing knowledge and innovation across a range of areas, including:

  • biomolecular reactions and molecular interactions
  • chemical and biophysical approaches to studying living systems
  • protein and nucleic acid structure and function
  • drug discovery and therapeutic development
  • biotechnology and healthcare applications
  • sustainable bio-based technologies

Understanding molecules in health and disease

We use advanced analytical, spectroscopic and computational techniques to reveal how biomolecules behave and interact. These approaches help us understand the molecular mechanisms that underpin health and disease, providing insights that support the development of new treatments and technologies.

Making a real-world impact

By combining fundamental chemical research with biological and medical sciences, we generate discoveries that address important global challenges. Our work contributes to improved therapies, better health and wellbeing, and innovative solutions that support a more sustainable future.

People

  • Head of section - Dr Louis Luk
  • Prof Rudolf Allemann
  • Dr Fabrizio Pertusati
  • Prof Jamie Platts
  • Dr Guto Rhys
  • Prof John Pickett
  • Dr Michaela Serpi

Cardiff University has an international reputation in heterogeneous catalysis, with research centred on the design, characterisation and application of solid catalysts that address major industrial and societal challenges. Much of this activity is coordinated through the Cardiff Catalysis Institute (CCI), which brings together expertise from across chemistry and related disciplines to advance both the fundamental understanding of catalytic processes and their practical application.

Research in heterogeneous catalysis spans catalyst synthesis, surface science, reaction engineering and advanced characterisation techniques. Cardiff researchers investigate how catalyst structure and composition influence activity, selectivity and stability, using state-of-the-art experimental and computational approaches to understand catalytic mechanisms at the molecular level. The work combines fundamental academic research with strong industrial collaboration to develop technologies of real-world relevance.

A major focus is the development of catalytic solutions that support sustainable and low-carbon chemical manufacturing. Research addresses challenges such as carbon dioxide conversion, sustainable synthetic fuels, cleaner oxidation and hydrogenation processes, and the replacement of scarce, toxic or geopolitically sensitive metals in catalytic systems. These activities contribute to wider efforts in decarbonisation and the transition to a more sustainable chemical industry.

Cardiff also has internationally recognised expertise in the study of supported gold and bimetallic nanoparticles, exploiting their unique catalytic properties for a range of industrially important reactions. This work is complemented by collaborations across surface science, electrochemistry, organic chemistry and biological chemistry, enabling multidisciplinary approaches to catalytic innovation.

  • Head of section - Dr Jonathan Bartley
  • Prof Richard Catlow
  • Prof Philip Davies
  • Dr Jennifer Edwards
  • Prof Graham Hutchings
  • Dr Sankar Meenakshisundaram
  • Dr Alberto Roldan Martinez
  • Prof Stuart Taylor
  • Prof David Willock
We are tackling some of the biggest challenges facing industry and society through world-leading research in heterogeneous catalysis. By designing and developing advanced solid catalysts, we help create cleaner chemical processes, support decarbonisation and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.
Much of our research is driven through the Cardiff Catalysis Institute (CCI), where we bring together expertise from across chemistry and related disciplines. Together, we deepen our understanding of catalytic processes and transform this knowledge into technologies with real-world impact.

Our research strengths

We investigate every stage of catalyst development, from fundamental discovery to industrial application, including:
  • catalyst design and synthesis
  • surface science
  • reaction engineering
  • advanced catalyst characterisation
  • catalytic mechanism and reaction studies
  • computational and data-driven approaches to catalysis
By combining experimental and computational methods, we reveal how catalyst structure and composition influence activity, selectivity and stability. These insights enable us to develop more effective and sustainable catalytic systems.

Driving sustainable chemical manufacturing

We are developing catalytic technologies that support low-carbon and resource-efficient chemical production. Our research addresses global challenges, including:
  • carbon dioxide capture and conversion
  • sustainable synthetic fuels
  • cleaner oxidation and hydrogenation processes
  • replacement of scarce, toxic and geopolitically sensitive metals
  • decarbonisation of the chemical industry
Through close collaboration with industry, we translate fundamental discoveries into practical solutions that help reduce environmental impact and improve manufacturing efficiency.

World-leading expertise in catalyst materials

We are internationally recognised for our research on supported gold and bimetallic nanoparticles, exploring their unique properties for a wide range of industrially important reactions. This expertise allows us to develop innovative catalytic materials with enhanced performance and new applications.

Working across disciplines

Catalysis research thrives on collaboration. We work closely with experts in surface science, electrochemistry, organic chemistry and biological chemistry to solve complex scientific challenges from multiple perspectives. By bringing together different areas of expertise, we create new opportunities for discovery, innovation and impact.

Delivering impact

Our research advances the fundamental science of catalysis while delivering solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. From cleaner manufacturing and sustainable fuels to new catalyst technologies, we are helping shape a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous future.

People

  • Head of section - Prof Thomas Wirth
  • Dr Angelo Amoroso
  • Dr Niek Buurma
  • Prof Ian Fallis
  • Prof Deborah Kays
  • Prof Rebecca Melen
  • Dr Paul Newman
  • Prof Simon Pope
  • Dr Ben Ward
  • Prof Duncan Wass
We use advanced spectroscopy, characterisation and computational science to uncover how molecules and materials behave, interact and function. By combining expertise across experimental and theoretical chemistry, we generate insights that drive discovery and enable the development of technologies that address global challenges.
Our research spans a wide range of chemical and biological systems, from reactive intermediates and catalysts to complex biomolecules and advanced functional materials. Through this work, we deepen our understanding of molecular processes and create new opportunities for innovation.

Our research strengths

We develop and apply cutting-edge techniques to explore chemical systems in unprecedented detail, including:
  • electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)
  • electron microscopy
  • solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
  • computational chemistry and modelling
  • advanced molecular characterisation
These powerful approaches allow us to reveal molecular structure, dynamics and reactivity, providing insights that are often beyond the reach of conventional techniques.

Revealing molecular behaviour

We investigate how molecules interact, transform and respond to their environment. Our research uncovers reaction mechanisms and fundamental chemical processes that underpin applications across chemistry, biology and medicine.
By combining advanced spectroscopy with computational methods, we can observe and understand complex systems at the molecular level, helping to answer important scientific questions and guide future discoveries.

Designing the materials of the future

Our materials chemistry research focuses on creating and understanding advanced materials with tailored properties and real-world applications. We study both organic and inorganic materials to address challenges in:
  • energy storage and conversion
  • hydrogen technologies
  • fuel cells
  • carbon capture
  • drug delivery
  • membrane separations
  • optoelectronics
  • sensing technologies
  • molecular imaging

Combining discovery and application

We combine experimental research with computational modelling to understand why materials behave the way they do and how their performance can be improved. This integrated approach helps us design next-generation materials that are more efficient, sustainable and effective.

Delivering impact

Our research provides the fundamental understanding needed to develop innovative technologies for healthcare, clean energy and sustainable industry. By revealing the behaviour of molecules and materials at the most detailed level, we create knowledge that supports scientific progress and delivers real-world benefits.

People

  • Head of section - Dr Emma Richards
  • Dr Andrea Folli
  • Prof Kenneth Harris
  • Dr Lauren Hatcher
  • Dr Stefano Leoni
  • Dr Andrew Logsdail
  • Prof Damien Murphy
  • Dr Alison Paul
  • Dr Tom Slater

Research spans biological, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, underpinned and supported by theory and characterisation, with broad expertise across the discipline that expands beyond traditional catalysis silos to deliver research of fundamental and technological importance.

It covers a wide range of complementary disciplines, including surface science, electrochemistry, organometallic, organic and biological chemistry.

Areas of specific and targeted growth include:

  • catalysis for environmental remediation
  • water treatment
  • methodologies for fine chemical synthesis
  • new materials
  • decarbonisation of petrochemicals and fuels (including CO2 conversion, sustainable synthetic fuels and intermediates, clean oxidations and hydrogenations, replacement of toxic, precious or geopolitically-unfavourable metals)

A major emphasis is to exploit the emergent understanding of properties of supported gold and bi-metallic nanoparticles. Research in homogeneous catalysis is developing novel ligands to exploit first-row transition and main-group metals, particularly in asymmetric catalysis.

Working with partners in industry, we exploit this research to deliver innovation and impact through the development of new catalytic processes.

Cardiff Catalysis Institute

Established in 2008, the Cardiff Catalysis Institute is central to the catalysis theme, but also cuts across and draws membership from all research themes.