We design, develop, and manufacture new nanostructured materials that can be used to address problems of global significance, such as energy generation and storage, water purification, carbon capture and pharmaceutical manufacture. Key areas of research include the manufacture and application of porous materials and metal-organic frameworks; the properties and processing of polymeric materials; the nucleation, growth and separation of crystals; the applications of electrochemistry to coatings, metal ion recovery and water clean-up.

The development, well-being, and progress of society is closely linked to the availability of energy. We're developing more effective methods for the extraction of conventional energy resources, as well as researching ways to make alternate energy sources, such as biomass, more economically competitive. We're also actively developing novel chemical processes that more efficiently and more cleanly utilize current energy resources.

We are active innovators in pharmaceutical processing, monitoring technology and process development. A number of academics in the department are research partners in CMAC the National Centre for Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallization which focus on transitioning the pharmaceutical industry from batch to continuous operation. We have developed crystallization and isolation process development work flows and offer training in their industrial application. Our modelling team have simulated the interactions between proteins and peptides with small molecules.

Engineering and technology should benefit society and ensure its well-being.  Towards this aim, much of our research is devoted towards enabling sustainable development and minimising the impact of industry on the environment.  We are also leveraging advances in social and behavioural sciences with our technical expertise and experience to incorporate human factors in improving methods of engineering education and in designing effective safety systems.

Optimisation of chemical processes often depends on the application of advanced measurement capabilities, leading to improved understanding and control.  Frequently there is a synergy between instrumentation developed for experimental work in laboratory systems and the application to industrial processes.  Our research in this area covers an array of measurement techniques and industry sectors but a recurrent theme is its application to minimise pollution and reduce waste as well as making more efficient use of energy.