Theoretical chemistry - from quantum mechanics to renewable energy
I am a theoretical chemist, a job that basically involves:
- mathematics: formulating approximate numerical solutions to the Schrodinger equation, the fundamental equation underlying the behaviour of electrons, atoms, molecules and materials.
- programming/coding: converting the mathematical theories into practical algorithms so they can be applied to real chemical systems to do:
- science: formulating hypotheses about how & why molecules & materials behave as they do, and answering those questions using computational chemistry & spectroscopy, and:
- engineering: applying the fundamental scientific principles of how and why molecules do what they do to design new materials with desirable physical and chemical properties e.g. organic photovoltaic assemblies, catalysts for CO2 reformation into methane.
I really love being able to work in a field of science that requires knowledge and understanding all the way from the quantum mechanical level up to the macroscopic level. I’m particularly passionate about using these skills to develop the new technologies that will be required to make solar energy a practical, affordable and widespread alternative to fossil fuels.