Donald Inns

MChem (1st class honours), Cardiff University 2018

Donald, originally from Derby, joined as a PhD at Loughborough University in October 2018 as part of the CDT studying perovskite catalysis and hydrogen production. Prior to this, he graduated with a first class honours MChem from Cardiff University where his master's project was tuning the chemoselectivity of the hydrogenation of 3-nitrostyrene using platinum nanoparticle supported carbon catalysts, he also undertook a funded summer project looking at the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol.  

Donald joined the Kondrat group at Loughborough University in 2018, where his research focuses on developing and utlilising perovskite-based catalysts and also the aqueous phase reforming of glycerol which provides a renewable and less energy intensive process for the production of hydrogen when compared to current production methods. Current catalysts used for this reaction suffer from lack of stability and degradation, use of platinum group metals, and variable hydrogen selectivity. Therefore, new catalysts need to be developed and characterised for this process.

Outside of his research, Donald enjoys reading, music, and cooking amongst other activities.