Dr Ben Ward
Senior Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry
- wardbd@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 0302
- Fax:
- +44 (0)29 2087 4030
- 3.39, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
I am an inorganic chemisty with an interest in organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis, especially when applied to polymer formation and degradation. I have particular expertise in the development and understanding of catalysts using Earth-abundant metals, using a combination of experimental and computational methods.
Biography
DPhil University of Oxford (2002, P. Mountford, synthesis and reactivity of Groups 3 and 6 complexes supported by polydentate N-donor ligands). Post-doctoral Research Fellow, University of Oxford (2002, P. Mountford, synthesis and polymerisation catalysis with Group 3 complexes supported by macrocyclic ligands). Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Università Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France (2003-4, L. H. Gade, asymmetric catalysis using C3-symmetry). Marie Curie Intra-European Research Fellow, Universitat Heidelberg, Germany (2005-7, L. H. Gade, stereoselective Fe- and Co-catalysed oxidation and peroxidation of hydrocarbons; isotactic olefin polymerisation with Group 3 catalysts). Research Fellow, CaRLa - Catalysis Research Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany (2007, L. H. Gade, stereospecific olefin polymerisation). Appointed lecturer, Cardiff, in 2007 (promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2014).
Publications
We are currently unable to retrieve the list of publications. Visit our institutional repository.Teaching
CH3102 Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry
CH3202 Applications of Molecular Spectroscopy
CH3402 Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry
CHT221 Mechanism and Ligand Design in Homogeneous Catalysis
In my research group we develop catalysts for the preparation of novel polymers, along with the technology to recycle them effectively by de-polymerisation. Our goal is to prepare materials that have superior properties to traditional polymers such that they can be used in real-world applications whilst improving the environmental footprint of the polymer sector. Specific projects involve some or all of:
- Preparation of new ligand environments for effective catalysis
- Development of catalytically active complexes for polymerisation
- Reaction mechanism determination using spectroscopic analyses and computational studies
- Analysing the materials properties of novel polymers made in our laboratory
As part of our research efforts, we collaborate with scientists and engineers from across the catalysis and materials research areas.
