Dr. Stuart L. James

Dr. S. L. James
BSc (University of Bristol), 1989
PhD (University of Bristol), 1992

Reader in Inorganic Chemistry

Tel:     + 44 (0) 28 9097 5419
Fax:    + 44 (0) 28 9097 6524
E-mail: s.james@qub.ac.uk

Research Keywords

Unusual self-assembly

Self-assembly is a way to make large intricate structures quickly and efficiently. We are extending this methodology by using unusually bulky, flexible and oddly-shaped building blocks to obtain new types of structure. This is opening up ‘second-level’ self-assembly in which stable but connectable aggregates are assembled into larger discrete structures.

Solvent-free synthesis

It is increasingly clear that solvents, some of which can be environmentally harmful, are not always necessary in chemical synthesis. Simply grinding together solids in a ball mill can also give fast, quantitative reactions. We are investigating the scope and underlying principles of this technique.

Porous solids and porous liquids

Porosity is an aspect of solid materials which has many real-world applications. We are interested in porous coordination frameworks as well as the novel concept of permanent porosity in the liquid state.

Metal-containing gels

Gels are solid-like phases consisting of networks within liquids. They provide an unusual and potentially useful medium in which to study and apply coordination chemistry.