Our research aims to advance atomically precise methods to develop novel molecular materials using atomic resolution characterisation methods, directed towards molecular electronics, single-atom catalysis, and novel molecular thin films. At Lancaster, we have labs capable of ultra-clean molecular growth, atomic scale microscopy, and advanced X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Dr Sam Jarvis a Senior Lecturer in Physics, Director of the Lancaster IsoLab, and head of Lancaster XPS. He leads the Atomic Imaging and Surface Chemistry group at Lancaster University, where his research is driven by the desire to explore fundamental phenomena using atomic scale imaging and molecular assembly, and to address major challenges in translating functional 2D and 3D molecular materials into real-world environments. His research spans funded projects addressing fundamental surface science, molecular electronics, thermoelectric green energy materials, single atom catalysts, green hydrogen generation, antiviral and antifouling surfaces, and atomically engineered 2D materials.
We have a comprehensive multiscale capability in modelling materials ranging from electronic and molecular structure, through the mesoscale, to large scale simulation.
We apply methods to study the structure, dynamics and properties of a wide range of surfaces and interfaces, with a central aim of integrating simulation alongside experimental measurement and the synthesis/manufacturing processes to constantly inform one another at all stages.
As well as standard modelling techniques (such as density functional theory, molecular dynamics and finite element analysis) unique specialisms to Materials Science include Quantum Monte Carlo, free energy calculations, quantum transport and ab initio modelling of actinides and lanthanides with relevance to the nuclear industry.
Materials characterisation capabilities in Materials Science span length scales from single atoms to the mesoscale.
Unique facilities at the centre include nanoscale resolution 3D mapping of internal structure (BEXP) of materials and buried interfaces, in situ NMR of disordered, amorphous and multiphase materials, nanometre scale mapping of thermal and mechanical properties, and atomic and single molecule resolution imaging.
We manipulate materials at surfaces and interfaces over a large range of length scales from small organic molecules (nm) to composites for the building industry (metres). A recent expansion in synthetic chemistry and additive manufacturing has added significant capacity encompassing the range from the classical hard engineering materials to soft biomaterials.
Surface features and structured thin films can be engineered at Lancaster in-situ with sub-µm precision by using laser sintering, milling and machining. Energy- and material-efficient surface processing is achieved by multi-material additive manufacturing and carbon dioxide processing.
Molecular functionalisation of surfaces is achievable via two principal methods. Firstly, we carry out ex situ and in situ chemical synthesis, with the new chemistry transferred to substrates and/or devices. This mode of surface functionalisation is applied in applications spanning gas absorption, energy storage and generation, surface initiated “click-chemistry” and biologically-active molecular immobilisations. Secondly, we specialise in plasma polymerisation, a scalable gas-phase coating technique which allows industrial-scale processing across a broad range of materials to create nanoscale coatings for interfacial engineering. Applications of this approach range from high-performance fibre composites through to implantable biomaterials.
