John IrvineView profile
Professor
John Irvine is a Professor in Inorganic Chemistry at the University of St Andrews, where he is affiliated with the School of Chemistry, Institute of Engineering, Centre for Clean Energy Research, Centre for Energy Ethics, and Centre for Designer Quantum Materials. His research focuses on the development and characterization of inorganic materials with applications in energy technology, bridging solid state chemistry, condensed matter physics, and ceramics. His educational background includes: B.Sc. in Chemical Physics from the University of Edinburgh D.Phil. from the University of Ulster Professor Irvine's research interests span solid state chemistry , condensed matter physics , and ceramics , with a particular focus on developing new inorganic solids with electrochemical, electrical, and magnetic properties. His work investigates the relationships between stoichiometry, structure, and electronic/ionic transport properties, with the goal of optimizing materials for energy applications. He has developed expertise in solid state electrochemistry, electronic conductors (particularly superconductors), structural chemistry, and high temperature electrochemistry. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on energy materials, particularly for battery technologies and fuel cells. His work spans lithium-ion conductors, sodium-ion battery materials, hydrogen storage, and catalytic processes for energy conversion. A notable trend is the development of novel synthesis techniques for creating advanced materials with precisely controlled properties. Professor Irvine has received numerous scientific awards, including: Commander of the Order of the British Empire (15 Jun 2024) 2023 Industry-Academia Collaboration Prize 1000Plan Professorship (2016) 100 Foreign experts in Fujian Province (2016) Beilby Medal from RSC, SCI, IOM (1999) Professor Irvine leads a research group of 15 working in Solid State Chemistry and Electrochemistry. He has supervised 43 research students and has secured significant funding through various projects including EXSOTHyC (Exsolution-Based Nanoparticles for Lowest Cost Green Hydrogen via Electrolysis), ECOLEFINS, UK NATIONAL CLEAN MARITIME RESEARCH HUB, ENSIGN, and UK-HyRES. His research has strong industrial collaborations with organizations including DERA, Tioxide, BG plc, Rolls Royce, Japan Storage Batteries, and Nissan. His laboratory at St Andrews boasts excellent facilities for Solid State Chemistry and Electrochemistry research, including a state-of-the-art Stoe powder X-ray diffractometer, Phillips diffractometers, TGA/DTA facility, Solartron impedance analyser, atmosphere-controlled tube furnaces, muffle furnaces, electrocatalytic testing rig, transmission electron microscopy, and high pressure synthesis facility.










