Research Research Groups Cox Group Our group studies transition metal catalysts using both magneto-optical spectroscopy and magnetic resonance techniques. label Research theme Research themes Catalysis Inorganic Chemistry and Organometallic Chemistry Physical and Biophysical Chemistry About Our group studies transition metal catalysts using both magneto-optical spectroscopy and magnetic resonance techniques. These methods can be used to monitor: oxidation states, transients/intermediates, the binding of substrates as well as product formation and release, providing important complementary information to static spectroscopic and diffraction methods. A key motivation of our research is to understand how biological systems use earth abundant metals including manganese to perform the difficult oxidative/reductive chemistry of small molecules such as water and oxygen. We are developing new methods to study these systems that are in principle transferable to metal oxide materials, which should in the future allow molecular level characterization of heterogeneous catalysis interfaced with electrodes. Projects The mechanism of biological water splitting Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy we have been able to identify the sites of substrate water binding and important structural changes which facilitate substrate binding. We can now examine the formation of the last intermediate and the mechanism of O-O bond formation. Read more Student intake Open for Honours, PhD students Theme Energy, Environment and Green Chemistry Read more The Photosystems of Chroococcidiopsis thermalis With the increasing threat of climate change, understanding how photosynthetic organisms adapt to extreme conditions is a key field of research. We have two projects that relate to C. thermalis. Read more Student intake Open for Honours, PhD students Theme Physical and Biophysical Chemistry Read more Members Leader Prof. Nick Cox Professor Researcher Dr Robin Purchase Postdoctoral Fellow Student Martyna Margaret Judd PhD Candidate Mr Julien Langley PhD Candidate News Nature offers potential for endless renewable fuel supplies Scientists have cracked a key step in nature's water-splitting recipe, which powers all plant life on Earth and may be harnessed to make a limitless supply of cheap renewable fuel. Read the article toc
