Research
Welcome to the fascinating world of molecules and macromolecules. We carry out fundamental research on polymers and their interactions with small molecules. We develop materials for a variety of applications, including membranes for molecular separations.
POLYMERS THAT BEHAVE AS MOLECULAR SIEVES
Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) were invented in Manchester. They behave like molecular sieves because they have rigid, contorted macromolecular backbones.
MEMBRANES THAT SELECTIVELY TRANSPORT MOLECULES
A membrane may be used to separate mixtures of gases or liquids into their components. To be useful, a membrane material needs to be both highly selective (i.e., one type of molecule must pass through more easily than others) and highly permeable (i.e., it must let a lot through). We are developing membranes for applications such as carbon dioxide capture and biofuel recovery.
2D MATERIALS
We are involved with research on graphene and other 2D materials.
Watch a video about Graphene: Membranes and their practical applications
WATER-SOLUBLE POLMERS
We have carried out research on natural and synthetic water-soluble polymers, with a particular interest in polyelectrolyte behaviour.
Research Group
UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER 1989-2026
Postdoctoral researchers
Dr. Andrew Foster (2017-2026); Dr. Han Li (2022); Dr. Mohd Zamidi Ahmad (2019-2021); Dr. Richard Kirk (2018-2020); Dr. Edidiong Asuquo (2018-2019); Dr. Wayne Harrison (2013-2018), Dr. Rupesh Bhavsar (2015-2018); Dr. Sara Sorribas (2015-2016); Dr. Xia (Rachel) Zhong (2013-2014); Dr. Michael Benstead (KTP Associate) (2011-2013); Dr. Jaroslav Wasikiewicz (2012-2013); Dr. Chris Mason (2007-2012); Dr. Natasha Jeremic (KTP Associate) (2004-2006); Dr. Carin Tattershall (1999-2001, 2002-2004); Dr. Peter Snedden (1999-2000); Dr. Jalal Jafar (1994-2003); Dr. Miles Ellerby (1993-1994).
PhD students
Alisha Ayyaz (2022-2026); Mustafa Alshurafa (2021-2025); Modhi Edhbaiah (2021-2025); Ming Yu (2021-2025); Sulaiman Aloraini (2021-2024); Nosheen Iftikhar (2014-2020); Marzieh Tamaddondar (2015-2019); Thomas Raine (2014-2018); Lei Gao (2014-2018); Rebecca Dey (2013-2017); Bann Dawood (2012-2016); Muhanned Khdhayyer (2012-2016); Peter Youle (2012-2016); Khalid Althumayri (2012-2015); Bekir Satilmis (2012-2015); Jonathan Hughes (2009-2013); Louise Maynard-Atem (2009-2013); Hosna Shamsipur (2009-2013); Alexandra Bushell (2008-2012); Nhamo Chaukura (2008-2011); Nasser Al-Harbi (2007-2011); Gul Laghari (2007-2010); Siren Tan (2006-2009); Andromachi Malandraki (2005-2008); James Selbie (2005-2009); Kevin Reynolds (2003-2006); Laura Grant (2003-2006); Anna Butler (2002-2005); Helen Kingston (2002-2005); A. Verena Maffei (2001-2004); Wayne Harrison (2001-2004); Dong Wang (2000-2003); Adrian Price (1997-2000); Shah Ahmed (1996-1999); Henry Chan (1995-1998); Kamolrat Thanapprapasr (1992-1996); Mohammad Khan (1992-1995); Nicola Le Gassicke (1992-1995); Regina de Paula (1991-1994); Stephen Dalton ((1990-1993); Andrew Byerley (1990-1993); Graham Myatt (1989-1992).
MPhil students
Anirudh Devarajan (2019-2020); Chih-Ho Lien (1997-1998).
MRes project students
May Chan (1995-1996); Yaser Abu-Lebdeh (1996-1997).
MSc project students
Kurtis Bryce (2020-2021); He Wang (2018-2019); Ze Li (2017-2018); Lok Kwan Tavie Wong (2016-2017); Ye Lei (2015-2016); Longhzhen Li (2014-2015); Guillaume Hedir (2011-2012); Chen Mu (2011-2012); Bekir Satilmis (2010-2011); Chenwu Qian (2010-2011); Hosna Shamsipur (2008-2009); Siren Tan (2004-2005); Jia He (2003-2004); Bert Jones (2003-2004); Mazek Abduldaim (2002-2003); Elssalhen Elabas (2002-2003); Sumera Aslam (2000-2001); Matthew Elliot (1998-1999); Aneela Anwar (1997-1998); Harry Thompson (1996-1998); Adrian Price (1996-1997); Slavko Vukusic (1995-1996); Zohreh Mahdaviani (1994-1996); Murat Celikkol (1994-1995); Emmanuel Bravais (1993-1994); Suzanne Ewart (1993-1994); Wing Ng (1993-1994); Adrian Lee ((1992-1993); Ming Choy Liew (1990-1991); Roger Viney (1989-1990).
