Fellows Directory
Martyn Poliakoff
Sir Martyn Poliakoff CBE FRS
Fellow
Elected:
2002
Biography
Martyn Poliakoff is a global leader in the field of green chemistry with a specific interest in the applications of supercritical fluids. These highly compressed gases possess properties of gases and liquids that permit interesting chemical reactions without the need for organic solvents, which endanger both health and the environment.
His contributions have enabled the development of supercritical carbon dioxide and water solvent systems to replace traditional organic solvents at the industrial scale. Away from the lab, as Foreign Secretary and Vice-president of the Royal Society, he works to represent and further the impact of UK science around the world.
Martyn is widely recognised thanks to his participation in a series of YouTube videos, The Periodic Table of Videos. This popular science project introduces the general public to the chemical elements of the periodic table. He received a knighthood in 2015 — the culmination of his pursuit of excellence in research, his service as an ambassador for UK science and his public outreach work.
Professional positions
Vice President, European Academies Science Advisory Council
Chemistry Research Professor, School of Chemistry, University Of Nottingham
Interests and expertise
Subject groups
Keywords
Catalysis,
continuous reactions,
flow chemistry,
Green Chemistry,
Photochemistry,
Public engagement,
Supercritical Fluids
Awards
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For his outstanding contributions in the fields of Green Chemistry and supercritical fluids by the application of chemistry to advance chemical engineering processes.
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UK-Canada Rutherford Lecture
On 'Multi-phase catalysis in supercritical fluids'.