Professor Peter M. Budd

School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.

Telephone: ++161 275 4711

Email: Peter.Budd@manchester.ac.uk

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Welcome to the fascinating world of molecules and macromolecules.

We carry out fundamental research on polymers and their interactions with small molecules. We seek to apply our knowledge for the benefit of society and are developing novel materials and energy-efficient processes for molecular separations and transformations.

POLYMERS THAT BEHAVE AS MOLECULAR SIEVES

In Manchester, we have invented a novel range of polymers, referred to as polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs), which have rigid, contorted molecular structures. In the solid state the polymer molecules cannot pack together efficiently, so the material behaves like a sieve for small molecules (i.e., it has micropores, holes smaller than 2 nanometers).

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).

MATERIALS FOR ENERGY APPLICATIONS

A major challenge is to ensure a clean and sustainable energy future. In order to tackle the problem of global warming, we are developing materials for carbon capture.

Fuel cells convert energy in a fuel (e.g., hydrogen) directly into electricity. We are developing materials for hydrogen storage and are exploring novel polymer electrolytes for fuel cells.

POLYELECTROLYTES FOR TISSUE ENGINEERING

Polyelectrolytes are polymers that possess many ionizable groups. In collaboration with Prof. Sandra Downes (School of Materials) and Prof. David Watts (School of Dentistry), we are investigating novel polyelectrolytes for application in tissue engineering.

RECRUITMENT

CLOSING DATE 19th May 2013: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Polymer and Graphene Membranes. Ref: EPS-02545

CLOSING DATE 28th May 2013: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Bioactive Polymers. Ref: EPS-02596

**NEWS**
Graphene-based membranes A £3.5M EPSRC-funded research programme to develop the science and technology of graphene-based membranes will kick off in July 2013. Led by Peter Budd, it involves researchers from across the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. The aim is, together with industrial partners, to produce working membranes for applications related to sustainability, energy, health, defence and food security. Press release
	Manchester and Liverpool United A communication in Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. reports a novel approach to composite membranes arising from collaborative research involving the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool (UK) and the Institute on Membrane Technology (Italy). In-situ crystallization of organic cage molecules from Liverpool, within a matrix of a polymer from Manchester, gives membranes with exceptional gas permeability.
Carbon dioxide capture Peter Budd spoke at the IChemE meeting on "Separation Technologies for Carbon Dioxide Capture" in Edinburgh on 19th April, which followed the final meeting of the "Innovative Gas Separations for Carbon Capture" consortium.
	American Chemical Society in New Orleans Peter Budd spoke at the "Porous Polymers" symposium at the ACS Spring Meeting in New Orleans, 7-11 April 2013.
Polymer Science in Ghana Academic staff from Manchester contributed to the establishment of a Masters Programme at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology at Kumasi in Ghana. In April 2012, Peter Budd gave a plenary lecture at the 1st Kumasi International Conference on Polymer Science and Technology.
	Micromeritics grant award Micromeritics donated an extended pressure sorption analyser to support colllaborative research on nanoporous materials. Press release

Updated 16 May 2013