Analytical
Characterising complex chemical mixtures and selective molecule detection.
Department of Chemistry research
Our research spans from fundamental chemistry to applications in catalysis, materials, healthcare and sustainable chemical technologies.
Our Research Areas
Research in the Department of Chemistry is organised into five research themes.
Health
Investigating and improving healthcare challenges.
Interfaces
Exploring the boundaries between the different states of matter.
Materials
Designing and producing novel materials.
Transformations
Studying all aspects of chemical reactions.
Impact from our Research Excellence
99% of our submitted research activity was ranked as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021). Learn more about how our research helps to shape a better future .
Phosphorescent material inspired by ‘glow in the dark’ wood
Researchers have developed a new phosphorescent material from lignin, a major component of wood.
Bath scientists to track COVID-19 through monitoring wastewater in cities in the UK and Africa
Funding will lead to creation of ‘early warning system’ tracking the spread of the virus in wastewater in Lagos and Cape Town
Creating cheaper, flexible and sustainable solar cells
Our researchers are developing new, more sustainable materials that could make solar power a more viable technology worldwide.
Ground-breaking research makes childhood vaccines safe in all temperatures
A new system for delivering vaccines to children in low-income nations has taken a vital step forward, thanks to groundbreaking work at the University of Bath
Getting ready to retyre
Professor of Chemistry, Matthew Jones, talks about finding a new catalytic route from ethanol to butadiene.
Creating fast, accurate tests for disease
Attaching electrochemical tags to DNA could allow GPs to diagnose and treat patients in just one visit.
Our Research Centre
In our interdisciplinary research centre we work towards a sustainable future.
Centre for Sustainable & Circular Technologies
A multidisciplinary centre that brings together researchers with a strong interest in sustainability.
Our Contribution to other Research Centres
We also support research in faculty- and university-wide interdisciplinary research centres.
Centre for Biosensors, Bioelectronics and Biodevices
We develop technologies to improve biomedical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, industrial bio-processes and our understanding of biological functions.
Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
We are an interdisciplinary research centre bridging science and engineering.
Water Innovation and Research Centre (WIRC@Bath)
WIRC provides a unique environment to engage globally in research and policy on water technologies and resource management.
Our Facilities
Explore our state-of-the-art facilities available for teaching, research and industry with expert support from University staff.
Material and Chemical Characterisation Facility (MC²)
We combine cutting-edge analytical equipment with extensive in-house expertise to provide a comprehensive material and chemical characterisation service.
Materials and Structures Centre
We develop and design innovative materials with unique properties to improve technological, structural and manufacturing products and processes.
David Bullett Nanofabrication Facility
We provide access and training on specialist equipment for micro-scale and nano-scale fabrication for University of Bath researchers and external organisations.
Doctoral Training
We provide a thriving environment for PhD researchers. We host and are partners of several centres for doctoral training across the chemical sciences. Find out more from other students.
Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable & Circular Technologies
Doctoral training programme which places fundamental concepts of sustainability at the core of research, training and outreach in applied chemical sciences.
Centre for Doctoral Training in Catalysis
This CDT trains postgraduate researchers in heterogeneous, homogeneous catalysis and reaction engineering to equip them to advance the UK's catalysis sector.
Doctoral College
We support and enrich the experience of our doctoral researchers and play a key role in developing policy and strategy relevant to doctoral study.
Turning a passion for sport into cutting edge research
Ex-England decathlete, Jamie Courtenay, talks about what inspired his PhD research into tissue engineering.
Going on placement helped me decide to stay on for a PhD
PhD student and Bath graduate Anna Kinsella, realised staying on for a PhD would open the door for her choice of a career in Chemistry patents.
A fascination with chemistry
Bath graduate Dominic Macias stayed on campus for research in his third year rather than go on placement and was inspired to stay on for his PhD.
Join us
Apply now for one of our academic positions.
Research Consortium
Find out more about research consortia in which we participate.
Major Grants
Find out more about some of our major research grants.
CATMAT
CATMAT - Targeting a near-term improvement in lithium ion battery lifespan and EV range
Enabling Next Generation Lithium Batteries
Enabling Next Generation Lithium Batteries
Hub 'Science' 3
Hub 'Science' 3: Catalysis for the Circular Economy and Sustainable Manufacturing
Cast iron catalysis
Cast iron catalysis: New catalytic protocols for carbon-phosphorus bond synthesis
Nucleophilic Alkaline Earth Boryls
Nucleophilic Alkaline Earth Boryls: From Conception and Theory to Application
BIOBEADS
Advanced Manufacturing for Sustainable Biodegradable Microbeads - BIOBEADS
Our Spin out and Start Up Companies
Find out more about our spin out and start up companies, which resulted from commercialising our research.
Binx Health (Formerly Atlas Genetics)
Binx Health is improving sexual health and wellness through new delivery methods that prioritise clinical integrity and consumer privacy and convenience.
Naturebeads
Naturbeads produces biodegradable cellulose microparticles to replace plastic microbeads, making them natural and biodegradable.
Department of Chemistry
We offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses and have a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and innovation.