We are committed to finding solutions to the pressing challenges of climate change and sustainable energy.
Our researchers are not only innovating but also inspiring the next generation to take up the mantle of environmental stewardship.
Together, we are shaping a world where renewable energy powers progress.
Dr Paul Balcombe’s research group investigates the potential for different gas energy supply chains to meet energy demands whilst avoiding negative environmental consequences. A particular focus is the characterisation of methane emissions, which contribute strongly to climate change and air quality impacts.
So far, his research has led him to the middle of the ocean to monitor methane emissions from sailing vessels. Now his team is working directly with industry and policy organisations to apply this research and reduce emissions.
The future of solar energy hinges on innovation, and Queen Mary is at the forefront of advancing perovskite solar cells, a next-generation technology poised to outperform traditional silicon cells. An aerosol-assisted solvent treatment method has enhanced the efficiency and stability of perovskite films, enabling tandem designs with silicon for higher performance.
Beyond solar panels, our work extends to solar fuels, producing hydrogen directly from sunlight, and piezoelectric energy harvesters. By exploring the interaction of light absorption and electrical polarization in these materials, we’re uncovering ways to harness energy more effectively.
Find out more about perovskite solar cells
Dr Lei Su and his team are transforming communication and energy technologies with single-crystal perovskite optical fibres. Unlike conventional glass fibres, these perovskite-based fibres are more stable, efficient, and durable. By innovating scalable manufacturing techniques, they aim to integrate these fibres into broadband networks for faster, more sustainable data transmission.
This technology also has potential applications in solar-powered clothing and medical imaging devices, showcasing its versatility. Dr Su explains, “Single-crystal perovskite fibres could substitute key components in optical networks, improving the speed and quality of our broadband systems.”
Find out more about our work on single-crystal perovskite optical fibres
Professor Xi Jiang leverages advanced modelling and simulation to tackle the engineering challenges of climate change. His expertise in big data analytics and machine learning is reshaping how we design combustion systems, reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.
Notably, his work on digital twins for marine engines allows real-time optimisation of performance, offering a pathway to decarbonising the shipping industry. Professor Jiang’s vision is clear: “Sustainability is the engineering challenge of our time. By using advanced modelling, we can design systems that are more efficient, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible.”
Find out more about our work on sustainable transport
Renewable energy needs robust storage solutions, and Professor Ana Jorge Sobrido is leading the charge with her work on redox flow batteries and supercapacitors. By developing sustainable electrodes, her research enhances the efficiency and affordability of these technologies, crucial for a reliable renewable energy grid.
Her innovative use of renewable feedstocks and self-regenerating materials extends the lifespan of energy devices, reducing waste. As she puts it, “To switch to renewables, we need better energy storage. Redox flow batteries have the potential to be a key technology for storing renewable energy on a large scale.”
Find out more about next generation batteries
Dr Cristina Giordano’s groundbreaking work on metallic ceramic nanomaterials is unlocking new possibilities in renewable energy, catalysis, and medicine. Her team has developed energy-efficient methods to synthesise metal nitride and carbide nanoparticles, producing high-purity materials ideal for advanced applications.
From lightweight composites for aerospace to multifunctional biomedical devices, her research demonstrates the potential of these materials to revolutionise industries. Dr Giordano notes, “Once the production of these materials is streamlined, unique systems can be designed for a variety of transformative applications.”
Find out more about our work on functional materials and nanoscience
Dr Maria Crespo-Ribadeneyra’s focus on sustainable materials for energy storage and conversion is driving a cleaner energy future. Her collaboration with The Tyre Collective, using tyre wear particles to create batteries and sensors, is a testament to her creative approach to resource conservation.
Her goal is to design materials with renewable feedstocks that self-regenerate, addressing both energy and environmental challenges. Dr Crespo-Ribadeneyra states, “My research is helping to develop sustainable materials that can meet the challenges of a net-zero future.”
Dr Kamyar Mehran is advancing renewable energy access with the world’s first microgrid powered by onshore wave energy converters in Thailand. By integrating AI-driven load prediction and wireless energy management, his project offers a cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries, bringing sustainable electricity to remote communities.
This Innovate UK-funded initiative demonstrates the feasibility of wave energy as a reliable power source, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Dr Mehran’s work exemplifies the transformative potential of smart systems in renewable energy.
Find out how we are working in partnership to advance wave energy
Queen Mary University of London is breaking new ground with the launch of its state-of-the-art Green Energy Hub, a transformative facility dedicated to accelerating research and innovation in green energy technologies. Spanning 195 square metres and equipped with cutting-edge wet chemistry labs, extraction hoods, and a dust-free device testing area, the hub represents a nearly £3 million investment in sustainability by the Faculty of Science and Engineering. By fostering collaboration among researchers across diverse fields including batteries, green hydrogen, and photovoltaics, the hub aims to catalyse innovative solutions for sustainable energy challenges.
Professor Joe Briscoe, one of the leading figures behind the initiative, highlights its vision: “Our goal with the Green Energy Hub is to create a vibrant, collaborative space where diverse research groups can come together to push the boundaries of what's possible in green energy.”
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