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Benjamin Ward

Dr Benjamin Ward

Reader in Inorganic Chemistry

School of Chemistry

Users
Available for postgraduate supervision

Overview

I am interested in all areas of research related to plastics and polymers. Specific expertise lies in polymer preparation, recycling, and analysis.

Publication

2025

2024

2023

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2001

Articles

Book sections

Research

In my research group we work on plastics and polymers. Our research can be divided into environmental analysis of polymers and plastics, and the development of next-generation recyclable polymers.

Environmental analyis: We are developing methods for monitoring and understanding the fate of water-soluble plastics, microplastics, and wet-wipes, in order to fully understand their envionmental impact. We have collaborative projects seeking to understand the effect of these materials on the natural environment.

Future polymers: We are developing 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.

 

For more information on specific projects available with Dr Benjamin Ward please the review the Molecular synthesis section of our research project themes.

Teaching

CH5102 Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry

CH5208 Applications of Molecular Spectroscopy

CH3402 Frontiers in Ligand Design and Coordination Chemistry

CHT221 Mechanism and Ligand Design in Homogeneous Catalysis

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).

Supervisions

Current supervision

Halimah Alahmari

Halimah Alahmari

Research student

Taylor Young

Taylor Young

Research student

Eve Tarring

Eve Tarring

Graduate Demonstrator

Contact Details

Email WardBD@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone +44 29208 70302
Campuses Main Building, Room 3.32, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT

Research themes

Specialisms

  • Polymers and plastics