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Dr Ian Scowen
Director of University Analytical Centre
  • Telephone: +44 (0)1274 236191
  • Mobile: +44 (0)7769886722
  • Email: i.scowen@bradford.ac.uk

Ian is the Director of the University Analytical Centre and is also a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry. Ian comes from a background in chemistry and has research interests in the design and synthesis of coordination compounds with novel metal-induced reactivities, and solid state materials analysis, particularly using X-ray crystallography.


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Key areas of research include:

  • MATERIALS DESIGN

    We have developed a number of research themes around developing novel molecular entities and controlling crystallization processes. These studies are focused to applications and often involve collaboration with industrial and commercial sectors.

    DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS OF COMPOUNDS WITH NOVEL METAL-INDUCED REACTIVITIES

    Applications of organometallic chemistry in the design of new reagents and metal-based catalytic systems; biomimetic systems; metallosupramolecular chemistry. Current programmes include:

    •metal-supported organometallic catalysts with a particular application in polymer and related substrate streams

    •design and synthesis of new enantioselective catalysts based on control of molecular architecture to yield helical and higher order 3D molecular structures

    • design and synthesis of novel metal coordination compounds (and related stable organic radical species) for therapeutic purposes including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory applications.

    CRYSTAL ENGINEERING

    These programs involve use of new approaches for rational design of organic materials through crystallization processes including:

    •control of structural forms (polymorphism)

    •control of incorporation of ‘guest’ molecules (solvates and hydrates)

    •co-crystallisation

    Potential applications for these new materials are wide-ranging including new drug delivery systems, molecular storage systems and molecular electronics.

    *MATERIALS ANALYSIS

    We have intitated highly active programs for developing and implementing novel analytical techniques for pharmaceutical applications and in related material science fields. The team covers three areas of focus: solid-state materials, novel analytical application development and process analytics.

    SOLID STATE PHARMACEUTICAL MATERIALS

    Research in solid state materials characterization compliments and extends material design programs. This research encompasses development of applications for molecular structure analysis using vibrational and magnetic resonance spectroscopies, investigations of crystal structure and polymorphism with thermal and X-ray diffraction methods, and applications for particle imaging and surface characterization with E-SEM and surface mapping techniques.

    NOVEL ANALYTICAL APPLICATIONS

    The group is engaged in instrument development programs, particularly in vibrational spectroscopy, for minituraisation of apparatus for on-site applications. These are diverse and include developments for

    •space and inter-planetary investigations

    •forensic and crime-scene applications.

    Through active inter-disciplinary collaborations, the group also develops applications for geological, archaeological and forensic fields. These include studies of materials and their degradation under extreme environmental conditions. Collaborative work in these areas is being pursued with the support of NASA, and the European Space Agency as well as several national and international museums.

    PROCESS ANALYTICS

    Programs in materials characterization and spectroscopy link to implementation of these techniques at-line in processing industries. The challenges of obtaining molecular information rapidly from process environments of high temperatures and pressure are being addressed in collaboration with the pharmaceutical and polymer processing industries. These programmes link to modelling of industrial processes to facilitate the development of knowledge engineering technology solutions to control and optimize quality in manufacturing.

    RESEARCH PAPERS

    Scowen, I.J., Gade, L.H., Galka, C.H. & Hellmann, K.W. (2002) Tetraaminoperylenes: their efficient synthesis and physical properties, Chemistry – A European Journal, 8(16), 3732-3746

    Scowen, I.J., Barnes, S.E., Coates, P.D. & Sibley, M.G. (2003) In-process vibrational spectroscopy and ultrasound measurements in polymer melt extrusion, Polymer, 44(19), 5937-5949

    Scowen, I.J., Fruchier, A., Taillefer, M. & Vicente, V. (2004) Synthesis and structural studies (H-1, C-13, P-31 NMR and X-ray) of new C-bonded cyclotriphosphazenes with heterocyclic substituents from novel phosphinic acid derivatives, New Journal of Chemistry, 28(3), 418-424

    Scowen, I.J., Barnes, S.E., Brown, E.C. & Sibley, M.G. (2005) Vibrational spectroscopic and ultrasound analysis for in-process characterization of high-density polyethylene/polypropylene blends during melt extrusion, Applied Spectroscopy, 59(5), 611-619