Micheál D. Scanlon

Prof. Micheál D. Scanlon is a leading electrochemist at the University of Limerick's Bernal Institute and Department of Chemical Sciences. His primary research focuses on polarized liquid-liquid interfaces for energy conversion, storage, and bio-mimetic systems. He holds a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant (2016) and has pioneered advancements in electrocatalysis, conducting polymers, and nanoparticle assembly.

Education:

• PhD: Electroanalytical Processes at University College Cork (2009)
• BSc (1st Class Honours) in Chemistry from University College Cork (2005)

Research Interests:

• Electrocatalysis for energy-related reactions (e.g., oxygen reduction, hydrogen evolution)
• Electrosynthesis of conducting polymers and nanocomposites
• Photoelectrochemistry and solar energy conversion
• Bioelectrochemistry of cytochrome c and enzyme systems
• Development of bio-mimetic molecular machines

Publications: Recent work emphasizes liquid-liquid interface applications in battery anodes, nanoparticle plasmonics, and sustainable hydrogen evolution. Key themes include interfacial ion dynamics, nanoscale catalysis, and biomaterial design.

Awards:

• ERC Starting Grant (2016)
• Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) SIRG (2014)
• EMBARK Postdoctoral Fellowship (2011)
• Multiple IRC awards and honorary recognitions

Teaching & Mentoring: Teaches Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Photochemistry. Supervises 5+ undergraduate projects annually and visiting masters students from University College Cork. Lab members contribute to the Scanlon Electrochemistry Laboratory.