Queen Mary research partnership brings microwave catalysis closer to real-world impact
A research partnership between the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences and deep-tech company MCatalysis is helping turn cutting-edge chemistry into technologies with potential applications in sustainable fuels and greener chemical manufacturing.
/filters:format(webp)/prod01/channel_322/school-of-physical-and-chemical-sciences/media/school-of-physical-and-chemical-sciences/images/news-images/MCatalysis.png)
Led by Dr Michael Jie, the collaboration brings together catalysis, materials science, microwave technology and chemical engineering. Researchers are investigating how microwave energy can be used to drive chemical reactions, while addressing the challenges involved in translating laboratory research into technologies that can operate at larger scale.
The partnership has reached a new milestone following MCatalysis’ announcement of a $5 million Seed funding round, led by HL Energy Ventures and Oxford Science Enterprises. The investment will support the development and commercialisation of the company’s microwave-driven technologies, including plans for an industrial pilot facility in Lyon, France.
The partnership highlights the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences as a research environment where fundamental science connects with industry, innovation and emerging technologies.
Dr Jie, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at Queen Mary University of London and co-founder and CTO/CSO of MCatalysis, leads research connecting fundamental understanding of microwave–matter interactions with technology development.
The collaboration reflects Queen Mary’s commitment to turning academic research into real-world impact through entrepreneurship, industry partnerships and technology transfer. It shows how research at the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences can move from the laboratory towards practical applications, while helping tackle challenges in sustainable manufacturing.