Chemistry Research

A flask in a chemistry fume hood

World-leading expertise and cutting-edge facilities in a diverse and inclusive research environment

Researchers in Lancaster Chemistry Department work in state-of-the-art laboratories with access to cutting-edge analytical equipment.

Our research spans three over-arching themes of energy, materials and health. In each of these themes we are working to develop new chemical solutions to address societal and environmental challenges. Researchers work within five cross-cutting research groups which reflect the skills and expertise of our academic staff.

We collaborate with colleagues from across the University, actively engaging in research alongside Lancaster Environment Centre, the School of Engineering, and the Faculty of Health and Medicine, as well as partners from a range of companies and institutions internationally.

Research themes

  • Energy

    We are developing new chemistries to convert and store renewable energy to support the transition towards net-zero carbon emissions.

  • Health

    We are tackling key societal health challenges and designing new treatment chemistries and technologies.

  • Materials

    We are designing new materials with properties optimized for emerging technologies.

Research groups

  • Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy

    Physical and analytical chemistry at Lancaster encompasses the characterisation of chemical structures, mechanisms and properties. This is applied to a wide range of systems including catalysts, energy materials, biomolecules and polymers.

  • Electrochemistry and Surfaces

    Electrochemistry is a diverse, multidisciplinary topic at the interface of electrical processes and chemical reactions.

  • Inorganic Chemistry

    Inorganic chemistry at Lancaster focuses on the design, synthesis and study of new transition metal-based and main-group compounds, for application in catalysis, materials and medicine.

  • Organic Chemistry

    Organic chemistry at Lancaster focuses on the design and study of new organic and catalytic processes, for the synthesis of small molecules with application in materials and medicine.

  • Theoretical and Computational Chemistry

    Chemical theory and computation at Lancaster focuses on advancing the fundamental description of chemical systems as well as the application of simulations to provide insights and interpretations of experimental data.

Research facilities

  • Collaborative Technology Access Programme (cTAP)

    The £11.3m cTAP building provides businesses access to facilities and expertise located in the Chemistry Department currently unavailable to inwardly investing businesses within the UK.

  • Magnetic Resonance

    The Department has facilities dedicated for NMR in the solution and solid states, as well as instrumentation for EPR.

  • Mass Spectrometry and Separations

    The Department has a wide variety of mass spectrometry and separations equipment. The mass spectrometry and separations facilities are in A70 and A71 Faraday Building, and in B06 cTAP.

  • Microscopy and Nanofabrication

    A wide range of microscopy and nanofabrication facilities are available for use in the Department.

  • Optical Spectroscopy

    The department is equipped with a wide and varied range of instruments for optical spectroscopy, including dedicated CD and time-resolved fluorescence equipment.

  • X-Ray

    The Department is well-equipped for X-ray diffraction of single crystals and powders, as well as for X-ray fluorescence.

  • Elemental Analysis

    The department is equipped with a several options for elemental analysis of samples.

  • Sample Preparation

    Much of the analytical equipment available in Chemistry requires some form of sample preparation, and shared equipment is available for some applications.

  • BatLab

    Our BatLab has specialist facilities for conducting a range of battery-testing operations.

Chemistry news

A portrait of Sir Humphry Davy next to Professor Sharon Ruston and Dr Rachel Platel

Exploring the notebooks of Humphry Davy at LitFest: inventor, chemist, and poet

Professor Sharon Ruston of Lancaster University’s English Literature and Creative Writing Department and Dr Rachel Platel of Lancaster’s Chemistry Department joined LitFest at the Dukes to explore the creative and scientific works of Sir Humphry Davy.
A composite image featuring Phil Donkersely holding a bee house on the left, and two PhD students in front of the LCD exhibit on the right

Lancaster academics spread the joy of science at Light Up Lancaster’s Explore Week

Two academics from the Faculty of Science and Technology joined the team at Light Up Lancaster to deliver fascinating hands-on sessions to children in The Storey Institute over the course of Explore Week.
A group of chemistry students doing experiments

Department of Chemistry Celebrates LEAF Silver Award in Laboratory Sustainability.

The Department of Chemistry is delighted to have secured a LEAF Silver Award for the Physical and Analytical Chemistry Teaching laboratory. LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) is a programme established by University College London (UCL) to help integrate sustainability practices into laboratory spaces. By taking part in the programme, laboratories will reduce waste, save money and reduce their carbon emissions whilst still conducting high quality teaching and research.
Attendees at the PGR and Staff Conference in Chemistry

Chemistry hosts successful PGR and Staff Conference in LUMS

Chemistry staff and PGR students -alongside a selection of industrial sponsors – came together on Wednesday 11th September to present and celebrate the research within the Department. 
Lancaster Chemistry Department

Chemistry Department welcomes summer interns

Lancaster University’s Chemistry Department welcomes its latest group of summer research students, who will be working the Department on key research projects.

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