Solid/liquid interface characterisation: molecular structure, composition, and behaviour at surfaces
Experimental surface science consultancy using neutron, synchrotron, and traditional surface chemistry methods to characterise molecular adsorption, composition, and behaviour at solid/liquid interfaces. Supports formulation development, additive selection, and performance prediction for industrial partners.
Overview
This offering provides deep experimental characterisation of molecular behaviour at the solid/liquid interface, addressing questions about how species adsorb, organise, and perform on solid surfaces in liquid environments. The research group brings a unique combination of advanced techniques, including neutron reflectometry, synchrotron-based methods, and a comprehensive suite of traditional surface chemistry tools such as adsorption isotherms, thermodynamics, XPS, SIMS, FTIR-SFG, and liquid-phase TEM/SEM. By linking molecular-level structure to macroscopic performance, the work helps industrial partners understand why formulations behave as they do and how to improve them.
The approach is particularly valuable for multicomponent mixtures, where it can identify which species is actually delivering performance, determine optimal dosing, and suggest alternative or improved additives. Capabilities extend to studying how external conditions, including temperature, pressure, flow, and solution composition, influence interfacial behaviour.
Technical specifications
Key capabilities:
- Neutron and synchrotron methods for non-destructive, isotope-sensitive profiling of buried interfaces and adsorbed layers
- Adsorption isotherms and thermodynamics to extract binding energies, equilibrium constants, and predictive parameters
- Spectroscopic techniques including XPS, SIMS, and FTIR-SFG for chemical composition and molecular orientation at surfaces
- Liquid-phase electron microscopy (TEM/SEM) for direct visualisation of interfacial structure under realistic solution conditions
- Environmental control to vary temperature, pressure, flow, and solution composition during measurement
- Multicomponent mixture analysis to identify the active species in complex formulations
Typical applications:
- Formulation optimisation for coatings, lubricants, detergents, and personal care products
- Additive screening and selection for performance-critical applications
- Surface modification and functionalisation studies
- Troubleshooting of interfacial performance issues
- Predictive modelling support through experimentally validated thermodynamic parameters
Technology readiness level
The underlying methods are well-established, with more than 150 peer-reviewed publications supporting the approach across diverse molecular systems and solid substrates. Engagement typically begins with a scoping discussion to clarify the partner's actual information needs, which may differ from initial assumptions. A collaborative programme is then designed, defining priority systems, timelines, and any additional capabilities required, followed by an agreed schedule with regular communication to ensure effective delivery.
About University of Cambridge
Cambridge is a collegiate, comprehensive research university that combines broad academic depth with world-class facilities and strong translational activity. Industry engages through co-located labs, a major biomedical campus integrated with an NHS hospital system, and research and technology parks across the Cambridge cluster. Its location in a mature startup and scale-up ecosystem provides ready access to venture funding, prototyping resources, and collaboration with global R&D sites. Research is backed by competitive UKRI council funding and other national sources, with additional support from major charities and European programs. A dedicated technology transfer office supports IP, licensing, and seed investment to accelerate commercialization.
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