Photo of Professor Alexander Cowan

Professor Alexander Cowan MSci, PhD, FHEA, FRSC

Professor of Chemistry Chemistry

    Research

    Research Overview

    Our laboratory studies the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels from abundant, and ideally waste, resources such as CO2, H2O, N2. Our approach is to develop a detailed understanding of the factors controlling photo- and electrochemical reactions through the use of advanced (non-linear and transient) spectroscopic studies. We then apply the design rules identified in the next generation of catalytic materials and work with partners from industry and academia to realise real-world impact.

    Research Grants

    CapCon - conversion of captured carbon dioxide

    IDRIC

    August 2023 - February 2024

    The Solar Chemicals Network

    ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

    July 2023 - June 2026

    Zero-Chem: Zerogap bipolar membrane electrolyser for CO2 reduction to chemicals & fuels

    ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

    October 2022 - September 2024

    Water dissociation interfaces for high current density bipolar membrane electrolysers

    ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

    November 2022 - May 2024

    Materials for End-to-End Hydrogen Application

    HENRY ROYCE INSTITUTE (UK)

    December 2021 - March 2022

    National Interdisciplinary Centre for Circular Chemical Economy (NIC3E)

    UK RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

    January 2021 - March 2025

    Autonomous Mobile Robot Chemists

    ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

    October 2020 - March 2024

    Quantitative Imaging of Multi-Scale Dynamic Phenomena at Electrochemical Interfaces

    THE FARADAY INSTITUTION (UK)

    July 2019 - March 2022

    EPSRC Capital Award emphasising support for ECRS

    ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

    October 2018 - March 2020

    Gel-based Photoelectrodes for Clean Fuels

    LEVERHULME TRUST (UK)

    October 2018 - June 2022

    SEAFUEL

    EUROPEAN COMMISSION

    December 2017 - July 2023

    CO2 reduction at high pressures

    ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

    October 2016 - March 2017

    Flexible Routes to Liquid Fuels from CO2 by Advanced Catalysis and Engineering

    ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

    March 2016 - September 2021

    Spectroscopy-driven design of an efficient photocatalyst for carbon dioxide reduction

    ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

    January 2013 - September 2021

    Vibrational spectroscopy of semiconductor photocatalysts: Developing design rules for efficient solar fuel production.

    ROYAL SOCIETY (CHARITABLE)

    October 2012 - April 2013

    Kerr-gated Raman for the Characterisation of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase layer on Battery Electrodes

    SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES COUNCIL

    July 2017 - February 2018

    Multicomponent Supramolecular Hydrogels - Dr Laura Mears

    ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

    October 2016 - February 2018

    Small items of Research Equipment at the University of Liverpool

    ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

    November 2012 - March 2013

    Leverhulme Research Centre for Functional Materials Design

    LEVERHULME TRUST (UK)

    October 2016 - March 2027