Meet the WISE Fellows – Catherine Aitchison

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You will also be able to find out more about the fellow’s research here.

Catherine holds an MSci in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, her research project was in supramolecular chemistry, working on self-assembled metal-organic capsules with Prof. Jonathan Nitschke. She later pursued a PhD at the University of Liverpool with Prof. Andy Copper, focusing on organic semiconductors for solar fuels, honing her skills in optimizing material properties.

During her postdoc at the University of Oxford under Prof. Iain McCulloch, she worked on advancing research in photocatalysis and organic photovoltaics (OPV) with donor-acceptor polymers. Her work underscores the role of chemical design in creating renewable energy solutions. At LiU her group will focus on synthesizing and studying organic materials with self-assembled microstructures that aid in function.

Why did you choose to join WISE?
A few reasons! The network of materials scientists you are immediately exposed to is attractive when you are just starting out. It feels like a supportive environment and there are exciting possibilities for collaboration and discussion. I particularly like the level of freedom afforded to WISE researchers; you have the time and space to be ambitious without worrying about hitting arbitrary milestones. The WISE package is also very generous in terms of resources which means you are under a little less pressure with applying for more funding and can hopefully spend more time actually doing research.

Briefly describe your research area.
I work on designing, synthesizing, and testing conjugated organic materials, primarily for photocatalytic solar fuels production but also some photovoltaics and energy storage applications. A theme in my work is making materials with microstructures that aid in function.

What are the sustainability aspects of your research?
I make materials to aid in the production and storage of renewable energy. I also focus on organic materials which are more earth abundant and more easily processed than most inorganic alternatives.

What are the benefits of your research for society in the future?
Hopefully making materials that will help to industrialize the production of solar fuels or that will improve existing renewable energy technologies.

Are there specific industries, products, or other areas where you see the results of your research being implemented?
Modular solar fuels devices. These could be used in remote areas to make hydrogen or other chemical fuels. That would be the ultimate goal.

Have you always, even as a child, been interested in becoming a researcher?
I have always been open to the idea, but it was really during my PhD, enjoying being in the lab and doing research that made me realize this is definitely what I want to do.

Why did you pick this research expertise?
I wanted to work in renewable energy, but I also loved organic chemistry. Organic semiconductors seemed like the obvious choice.