Our Research

The idea of a functional nonequilibrium nanotechnology capable of performing diverse functions ranging from energy storage, sensing, movement, synthesis, information processing and even thinking sounds like something from the pages of science fiction. Of course, a sophisticated nonequilibrium nanotechnology capable of performing all these things and more already exists: it is called biology.

We are interested in how nonequilibrium behaviour can be driven and sustained. Our work takes a 'kinetics first' approach, whereby understanding the fundamental kinetic models that drive complex newtorks allows us to build up interesting chemical systems. In doing so, we study phenomena such as nonequilibrium behaviour driven and sustained by ratchet mechanisms, feedback processes and emergent autocatalysis. We often explore such systems in the context of compartmentalised systems, that enable us to generate and harness transmembrane gradients as an convenient energy source. Ultimately, we hope to develop a better understanding of the emergent nonequilibrium processes, and apply these lessons in developing artificial nanotechnologies.