Prof James Durrant

James is Professor of Photochemistry and Sustainable Energy in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oxford. He takes up this position following joint positions as Professor of Photochemistry in the Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London and Sêr Cymru Solar Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Swansea. His primary research interest is the development of new chemical approaches to solar energy conversion – harnessing solar energy either to produce electricity (photovoltaics) or molecular fuels (eg hydrogen). These studies have recently extended to spectroscopic studies of electrochemical routes to sustainable fuels and chemicals. His group undertakes fundamental scientific studies of new materials and device concepts, aiming to elucidate design principles which enable technological development. This research is based around using transient optical spectroscopies to undertake photochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies of electron transfer and reaction kinetics. Such studies are undertaken in parallel with device development and functional characterisation, including studies of materials and device stability, employing a wide range of molecular, polymeric and inorganic materials. He is fortunate to have many collaborations, both with academic groups and with industry, around the world, enabling colalborative research with colleagues working on innovative materials synthesis, theoretical modeling and practical device development and commercialisation.