James Durrant (chemist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Durrant
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Durrant in 2017
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| Nationality | British |
| Education | Gresham's School |
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| Thesis | Transient absorption spectroscopy of photosystem two (1991) |
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James Robert Durrant is a British scientist who studies photochemistry. This is a special type of chemistry that looks at how light and chemicals interact. He was born in 1965.
Professor Durrant works at Imperial College London as a professor of photochemistry. He is also a Sêr Cymru Solar Professor at Swansea University in Wales. He helps lead a special center called the Centre for Plastic Electronics (CPE). This center works on making electronics that are flexible, like plastic.
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Studying Science
James Durrant went to school at Gresham's School. He then studied at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London.
At Imperial College, he earned his PhD in 1991. A PhD is a very high degree that shows someone is an expert in their field. His research was about how plants use light to make energy, a process called photosynthesis. He used a method called spectroscopy to study this. Spectroscopy helps scientists understand what things are made of by looking at how they interact with light.
Amazing Research
Professor Durrant's research is all about using light to solve big problems. He focuses on making new materials and devices that can help us use solar energy.
Solar Energy Solutions
His work includes:
- Solar cells: These devices turn sunlight directly into electricity. Professor Durrant helps make them better and more efficient.
- Solar fuel production: This is about using sunlight to create fuels, like hydrogen. It's like making "solar gasoline" that doesn't pollute.
- Photocatalysis: This is a process where light helps speed up chemical reactions. It can be used to clean water or air.
New Materials
Professor Durrant also studies nanomaterials. These are super tiny materials, much smaller than a human hair. They have special properties that make them useful for many things, including solar energy.
He also works on flexible electronics, sometimes called "plastic electronics." Imagine a phone screen that can bend or roll up! His research helps make these new technologies possible.
Professor Durrant has written over 400 scientific papers. These papers explain his discoveries about how materials work at a tiny level to make solar devices function.
Teaching and Collaboration
Besides his research, Professor Durrant teaches physical chemistry at Imperial College London. He also works with the SPECIFIC Innovation and Knowledge Centre at Swansea University. This center helps turn new ideas about solar energy into real-world products.
Awards and Recognitions
Professor Durrant has received many important awards for his work. These awards show how much his research has helped science and society.
- In 2022, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This is a high honor given by the King for great achievements.
- In 2018, he received the Hughes Medal from the Royal Society.
- In 2017, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very prestigious group of top scientists. He was chosen for his work on using light to create solar energy, both for solar cells and for making solar fuels.
- In 2016, he was elected a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales.
- In 2012, he won the Tilden Prize from the Royal Society of Chemistry.
- In 2009, he received the Environment Prize from the Royal Society of Chemistry.
- In 1994, he was awarded the Meldola Medal and Prize by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
