Research focuses principally on solid-state and polymer chemistry and on biophysical chemistry.
In solid-state research, the emphasis is on the process of crystal growth. A major research activity concerns the growth of highly perfect single crystals and thin films of organic materials and the assessment of their nonlinear optical, acoustic and thermal properties.
The aim is to produce organic materials suitable for device applications in the electronics industry.
This research is complemented by theoretical modelling of the electron density distribution in these molecules, which aids in the design of purpose-specific molecules.
Synchrotron radiation is used to define the structural and chemical nature of these particulates.
XPS and SIMS facilities are used to investigate the composition of polymeric surfaces, grafted inorganic substrates and reactive centres in catalytic systems.
Research is also carried out on the kinetics of cure of thermoset resins, and the synthesis and characterisation of peptides and polymeric materials containing nonlinear optical active entities.
In the field of polymers, investigations include: morphology of polymeric materials using dielectric techniques to complement conventional electron microscopy, positron annihilation measurements of the glassy state of polymers, and the use of high frequency dielectric methods for the characterisation of adhesively bonded structures.
In the field of photochemistry, research is principally focussed on semiconductor photochemistry, particularly the development of novel nanocrystalline photocatalyst films for water and air purification and self-cleaning surfaces.
Another major thrust is in the area of optical sensors for gases and vapours of medical and industrial significance, such as CO2, O2 and characteristic odours in medicine, explosives and the food industry.
Other research areas include dye photochemistry, solvatochromism, solar energy research and laser-induced photochemistry, including infra-red photochemistry, energy transfer and non-linear optics.
Biophysical research is aimed at understanding the mechanisms of natural processes such as enzyme catalysis, self-assembly and molecular recognition.
The study of biocatalysis in low-water systems gives insights into the role of water and protonation state in enzyme action and has applications in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.
Deposition of proteins, peptides, nucleic acids and nanoparticles in ordered structures on inorganic and organic crystals is used to understand self-assembly and molecular recognition processes with applications in bionanotechnology, drug-delivery and molecular electronics.