Physical and theoretical chemistry provides a quantitative framework for understanding and appreciating molecules and molecular systems. These can be as simple as a collection of rare gas atoms or as complex as DNA. Studies allow insight into the static, dynamical, and chemical properties of these systems, and can be extended to gases, liquids and solids. Responses of these systems to change, such as the absorption of a photon, can only be gained using advanced experimental or computational methods. Our research covers a broad range of sub-disciplines, including electrochemistry, surface and materials science, computational and quantum chemistry, laser spectroscopy, solid-state NMR, cluster science and molecular astrophysics. Within each of these areas, Nottingham has made major contributions, both in terms of our knowledge of basic processes and in the development of advanced instrumentation and computational techniques.
This research is undertaken with access to state-of-the-art facilities. Current equipment includes a wide range of vacuum systems for surface, synchrotron, photoionisation, and cluster beam experiments, tuneable UV, visible and infrared lasers, ion traps, solid-state NMR spectrometers, mass spectrometers, and advanced computational facilities including the University's high performance computer.
Cluster science
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Molecular complexes and clusters are created in supersonic jet expansions, and their structure and bonding investigated using laser spectroscopy.
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New experiments are being developed to study helium nanodroplets and their properties as a quantum fluid.
Computational and quantum chemistry
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Quantum calculations and molecular simulation are applied to study protein-ligand binding and protein structure, dynamics and spectroscopy.
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Calculations on the excited states of molecules reveal details of their behaviour in the condensed phase, including for example fluorescent probes in biological membranes.
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High accuracy quantum chemistry is used to calculate the properties of atoms in molecules, to study the thermodynamics and spectroscopy of weakly-bound molecular complexes and also to inform simulations of supercritical fluids.
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Computational nanoscience focuses on predicting the behaviour, properties and manipulation of carbon nanomaterials.
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New approaches in density functional theory are developed, helping to characterise molecular properties in strong magnetic fields.
Electrochemistry
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Development of new nanostructured electrode surfaces, particularly in scanning electrochemical microscopy, and application to screening for novel catalysts for fuel cells.
Molecular astrophysics and atmospheric chemistry
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Molecules, dust and their reactions in interstellar, nebular, circumstellar and stellar media are investigated through astronomical observation, computational chemistry, spectroscopic modelling and laboratory studies.
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Computational methods are used to understand processes in the upper atmosphere.
Photon-Molecule Interactions
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Laser photoelectron spectroscopy, including picosecond time-resolved studies, is used as a detailed probe of the structures and intramolecular dynamics of molecules, ions and complexes.
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Laser and synchrotron light sources are used to investigate electron dynamics in photoionization and to probe interactions, including self-recognition and solvation, in chiral molecular systems.
Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance
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New solid-state NMR methods are designed and used to study materials and biological systems.
Surface science
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Surface science experiments reveal how monolayers assemble on both solid and liquid surfaces.
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Analysis of how catalysts can facilitate the preparation of advanced materials.