Prof Ben Slater
Professor of Computational Chemistry
Dept of Chemistry
Faculty of Maths & Physical Sciences
- Joined UCL
- 23rd Nov 2000
Research summary
We use ab-initio and force-field approaches to gain a deeper insight into the true structure of materials, with emphasis on determining surface structure so we can better understand processes at interfaces (such as reaction chemistry, catalysis or separation). Part of our work is in direct collaboration with experimental groups and industry to understand how nanoporous materials (zeolites, metal-organic frameworks, aluminophosphates) grow and dissolve at the nanoscale and the chemical driving forces that dictate which phase crystallises from the mother liquor and with what morphology. Another focus is on water ice and hydrate chemistry where the goal is to develop accurate models of icy materials to help predict their role in atmospheric chemistry and astrochemical reactions.
Education
- University of Reading
- Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy | 1995
- University of Nottingham
- First Degree, Bachelor of Science (Honours) | 1991