Alan McCue

Dr. Alan McCue is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry within the School of Natural and Computing Sciences at the University of Aberdeen. He holds a BSc and PhD in Chemistry from the same institution and currently serves as the Programme Director for the MSc in Chemistry for Sustainable Energy. His academic role involves significant contributions to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, particularly in areas related to sustainable chemistry and catalysis.

His research centers on heterogeneous catalysis, with a focus on designing and optimizing hydrogenation catalysts for selective transformations. Key areas include the selective hydrogenation of alkynes, CO₂ conversion using transfer hydrogenation, and catalyst development from waste-derived materials. He employs advanced characterization techniques such as in-situ FTIR, XRD, and chemisorption to understand catalyst behavior.

Dr. McCue's recent publications (2023–2025) reveal a strong trend toward sustainable chemical processes, including microwave-assisted synthesis of carbon materials from plastic waste, plasma-catalytic methane conversion, and biomass valorization. His work integrates green chemistry principles with industrial applicability, particularly in carbon capture and renewable fuel production.

He is actively involved in funded research projects, including collaborations with the UKRI, UK Catalysis Hub, and Royal Society of Chemistry, focusing on hydrogen production, plasma-catalysis, and advanced FTIR methodologies. While no specific awards are listed, his extensive publication record in high-impact journals demonstrates significant scholarly recognition.

Dr. McCue supervises postgraduate research and collaborates widely with researchers such as Dr. C. Fernandez Martin, Dr. D. Dionisi, and Prof. J. A. Anderson. His work is associated with the Centre for Energy Transition at the University of Aberdeen, reflecting his alignment with energy sustainability initiatives.