Synthetic chemistry
Biomolecular Chemistry
Our expertise resides in the synthesis and structural elucidation of all classes of biomolecules including carbohydrates, lipids, peptides and proteins. We are an application-oriented group focused on solving challenges at the interface of chemistry, medicine and biology and expanding the knowledge on the properties and biological roles of biomolecules.
Website: www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/biomolecular-chemistry
Contact person: Assoc. Prof. Filip Ekholm (Finnish, Swedish or English, filip.ekholm(a)helsinki.fi)
Catalytic methods for organic synthesis
The research objectives of the group lie in organic synthesis and catalytic method development. Currently, the active research areas are ligand development for gold catalysis, development of carbocatalysts / carbocatalytic reactions, and development of photoredox catalytic transformations and organophotocatalysts. Analysis of the reaction mechanism is a key driver for the catalysis development, which is regularly supported with computational chemistry studies.
Overall, the research is basic research with a long-term motivation to deliver applications for biomaterial research e.g. to utilize forest chemistry flows and side flows to gain value-added-chemicals and green hydrogen.
The group can train undergraduate students in many frequently used methods in organic chemistry (e.g. reaction monitoring with various methods, inert atmosphere operations, light reactors), related compound purification (e.g. column chromatography, crystallization), and product characterization (e.g. IR, NMR methods).
Website: www.helajagroup.com
Contact person: Dr. Juho Helaja (juho.helaja(a)helsinki.fi)
Synthesis and Analysis of Biomolecules
The research group focuses on the following themes:
- Chemistry on nucleic acids constituents
- Synthetical modifications and analytics of natural dyes
- Synthesis of small model precursors of atmospheric radicals
Nucleic acid components here mean nucleosides, nucleotides and short oligomers. Often the compounds are derivatives or analogues of native compounds. The goal of the work is to prepare compounds suitable for different applications and to improve the understanding of the reactivity of important biomolecules. Research related to dye molecules is part of the Colour4CRAFTS project funded by the European Union (website: www.helsinki.fi/fi/researchgroups/bio-based-colourants/about-colour4crafts). We focus on the chemical modification of natural dyes to improve their properties and the analysis of traditional dye preparations, plants and reference samples. The synthesis of small molecule model compounds is done in collaboration with Dr. Arkke Eskola's reaction kinetics group. Our group's thesis projects can include synthesis or analysis.
Contact: Dr. Petri Heinonen (petri.j.heinonen(a)helsinki.fi)
Chemistry of Circular Economy
Research in the group could be crystallized into the following themes.
- Waste-based CO2 sequestering commodity materials for carbon neutral society.
- Conversion technologies that allow better implementation of circular economy.
Chemistry of biopolymers and biomolecules is currently in the core of the research, with expanding studies into recycled polymers and thermochemical processes. Interested scientists from diverse fields are welcome to the group to solve the rather multidisciplinary challenges. Besides fundamental chemistry topics, techno-economic evaluation and lifecycle assessment of developed concepts are closely associated with the group's research, as these are important aspects of the circular economy.
Topics for traineeships and thesis work in the group could be related e.g. to the following topics:
- Derivatization of lignin or other biopolymers to create thermoplastic materials.
- Solvent-based fractionation and analysis of waste materials.
- Thermochemical processing of wastes with emphasis on product analysis or post-processing.
Contact person: Asst. Prof. Timo Leskinen (timo.leskinen(a)helsinki.fi)
Sustainable chemistry
The Sustainable Chemistry research group, lead by Prof. Ilkka Kilpeläinen, concerns the valorisation of lignocellulosic biomass (mainly whole wood, cellulose and lignin) using novel and green processing technologies. One ongoing theme in the group has been the development of cellulose-dissolving ionic liquids, as a platform for a wide range of applications, e.g. the IONCELL process. The group has strong links to industry in Finland, so has excellent perspective on the scientific requirements to meet industry demands, including the value of research in society and for the preservation of our environment.
Website: www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/sustainable-chemistry
Contact person: Prof. Ilkka Kilpeläinen (Ilkka.kilpelainen(a)helsinki.fi)
Applied Functional Materials
We develop functional nanostructured materials to tackle global challenges in energy and environmental sustainability. Our research spans carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), heterogeneous catalysis, and industrial waste valorisation. Our goal is to translate fundamental materials chemistry into scalable solutions for a net-zero future.
Contact person: Dr. Mohammad Alzeer (mohammad.alzeer(a)helsinki.fi)
Medicinal Chemistry
The MC Lab at the Department of Chemistry collaborates closely with the Viikki Biocenter Medicinal Chemistry Team to develop novel bioactive compounds that address unmet medical needs. We use a multidisciplinary approach that integrates organic synthesis, pharmacology, and computational modeling to discover and optimize innovative treatment options. Our collaborative projects focus on the design and synthesis of small molecules targeting various diseases. Current research topics include antimicrobials and receptor modulators, prioritizing the advancement of sustainable synthetic medicinal chemistry methods.
If you are interested in learning more or collaborating with us, please reach out to us! / Om du är intresserad av att veta mer, tveka inte att kontakta oss! / Jos olet kiinnostunut tietämään lisää, ota rohkeasti yhteyttä meihin!
Website: www.helsinki.fi/medicinal-chemistry
Contact person: Dr. Niklas Johansson (niklas.johansson(a)helsinki.fi)
Inorganic chemistry
Catlab
Our research focuses on the investigation of novel catalytic systems and/-or processes for small molecule activation (hydrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and water) related to the most important chemical transformations including oxidation, reduction, C-H activation and C-C coupling reactions. In the development of new catalysts and catalytic methods also the fundamental issues of sustainability, efficiency, and selectivity (i.e. "greenness", collectively) are addressed. The experimental research makes use of modern organometallic, coordination and main group chemistry approaches including reactions requiring inert atmosphere conditions (Schlenk and glove box techniques). The computational projects conducted in the group focus on the investigations of electronic structure-reactivity relationship, bonding analyses and reaction mechanism calculations.
Website: www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-science/faculty/department-chemistry/www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/catalysis-and-green-chemistry
Contact person: Prof. Timo Repo (timo.repo(a)helsinki.fi) or Petra Vasko (petra.vasko(a)helsinki.fi)
HelsinkiALD
The HelsinkiALD group is doing research in the field of inorganic materials chemistry. Our main research topic is Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) but also other methods for thin film deposition and nanostructure preparation are studied, like anodization of nanoporous materials and electrospinning of submicrometer fibres. After starting in 1991, our group has become a worldwide leader in developing new ALD chemistries. The largest emphasis in our ALD research is on thin film materials needed in future generation integrated circuits. In addition, applications of ALD in energy technologies, optics, surface engineering and biomaterials are being studied by our group.
Website: www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/helsinkiald
Contact person: Prof. Mikko Ritala (mikko.ritala(a)helsinki.fi), Assoc. Prof. Matti Putkonen (matti.putkonen(a)helsinki.fi), Dr. Miia Mäntymäki (miia.mantymaki(a)helsinki.fi), Dr. Marianna Kemell (marianna.kemell(a)helsinki.fi)
Nanomaterials for Plasmonics and Nanocatalysis
We develop designer nanoparticle systems to address current challenges in sustainability. Our goal is to improve catalytic performances to enable the use of sunlight to drive molecular transformations involved in the generation of green energy, mitigate climate change, and enable mild reaction conditions and selectivities in several types of transformations (reductions, oxidation, etc).
Website: camargolab.com
Contact person: Prof. Pedro Camargo (English, pedro.camargo(a)helsinki.fi)
Physical and computational chemistry
Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
The group has mainly three research fields:
- Calculations of magnetically induced current densities and molecular magnetic properties
- Development of numerical algorithms and methods for studies of the electronic structure of molecules
- Calculations of molecular optical properties
In project 1, we use the GIMIC method, which is a computational method that we have developed during the past 20 years. We calculate how electrons move in molecules when they are exposed to an external magnetic field. We determine the degree of molecular aromaticity from the strengths of the current-density pathways. Spatial contributions to molecular magnetic properties can be obtained from the induced current density.
In project 2, we develop new algorithms for studies of the electronic structure of molecules. We use the Julia programming language, because the same code can then run on CPUs and GPUs aiming for calculations with the LUMI computer. We also investigate the possibility to use quantum computers for determining the electronic structure of atoms and molecules.
In project 3, we investigate processes that occur after a molecule has been excited by a photon. The rate constants for radiative and nonradiative processes between electronic states are calculated for determining the quantum yield of luminescence, which is one of the most important properties of molecules that can be used in organic light-emitting diodes (OLED). In these studies, we also can calculate from first principles absorption and emission spectra in the visual range including vibrational bands. The methods are mainly used in studies of molecules containing coinage metals (Cu, Ag and Au).
Website: www.chem.helsinki.fi/~sundholm/tacc
Contact persons: Dage Sundholm (Finnish, English or Swedish, sundholm(a)chem.helsinki.fi),
Stefan Taubert (Finnish, English or Swedish, stefan.taubert(a)helsinki.fi)
Numerical methods in quantum chemistry
Research in the Susi Lehtola group is strongly interdisciplinary, combining
aspects of physics, chemistry, numerical analysis, and computer science. The
foci of the group include the development and analysis of new numerical methods
(e.g. basis sets and numerical algorithms) and density functional theories, and
their applications on interesting questions in chemistry and physics. The goal
of the group is to understand chemistry from first principles, that is, the
basic laws of quantum mechanics.
The work in the group on the development of quantum chemical models relies on
the use of state-of-the-art software development methods and modern programming
paradigms; especially, the development of modular and reusable libraries for
electronic structure theory. We are especially interested in students with
mathematical and programming expertise.
The group has extensive international collaborations in Europe and the United
States, as well as collaboration with the Theoretical and Computational
chemistry group of Prof. Dage Sundholm and the Atmospheric computational
chemistry group of Prof. Theo Kurtén.
Website: susilehtola.github.io/
email: susi.lehtola(a)helsinki.fi
Atmospheric computational chemistry
Our group studies the chemical reactions of atmospheric condensable vapors and their precursors using computational methods, with emphasis on reactive sulfur- and nitrogen-containing molecules, including e.g. carbon-capture relevant amines, and on atmospheric autoxidation reactions of complex organic molecules. The foundation is provided by a large variety of quantum chemical methods, from state-of-the-art multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) and coupled cluster (CC) methods to density functional theory (DFT), as well as classical molecular dynamics (MD). Molecular-level reaction mechanisms and potential energy surfaces are then used as input for reaction dynamic calculations in order to obtain information on real reaction rates in the atmosphere.
Website: www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/atmospheric-computational-chemistry
Contact person: Prof. Theo Kurtén (Finnish, English or Swedish, theo.kurten(a)helsinki.fi)
Atmospheric (aut-)oxidation and subsequent particulate matter formation
Autoxidation is a gas-phase pathway to rapid molecular growth and subsequent formation of multifunctional molecules that give birth to atmospheric aerosols. It is the route to highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOM) that can condense even onto the smallest of the atmospheric nanoparticles, and sometimes can even form them directly. For detecting these elusive gas-phase constituents, only ambient pressure chemical ionization provides the selectivity and sensitivity required.
In the research group, atmospheric autoxidation pathways are resolved by joint experimental-theoretical works utilizing quantum chemical computations and flow reactor investigations with novel ambient pressure chemical ionization detection methods. The groups work is as much about studying the currently poorly known gas-phase chemistry of aerosol precursor formation as developing the state-of-the-science research methodologies to allow for more detailed view on these crucial atmospheric processes. The results of these studies provide key information on the two grand challenges of our time: air quality of urban atmospheres, which is the current leading cause of pre-mature mortality, and the climate change, which threatens the habitability of vast areas of the Earth.
Website: www.rapc.science/
Contact person: professor of physical chemistry Matti Rissanen (matti.rissanen(a)helsinki.fi
Laser spectroscopy
Our research focuses on experimental physical chemistry, optical spectroscopy in particular. Most of our experiments involve lasers, and we also develop new ways of producing laser light. We use lasers to measure molecular spectra with high precision. Among other applications, this allows us to detect very small traces of molecular compounds in air, for example for atmospheric monitoring.
Website: www.helsinki.fi/laser-spectroscopy
Contact person: Assoc. Prof. Markku Vainio (markku.vainio(a)helsinki.fi)
Reaction Kinetics
Our research interests focus on reaction kinetics and oxidation chemistry in the gas phase, both under normal atmospheric conditions (i.e. atmospheric chemistry) and during low-temperature combustion (auto-ignition) conditions (i.e. combustion chemistry). We perform primarily experimental reaction kinetic research, which results we then support using computational kinetics.
Website: www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/reaction-kinetics
Contact person: Dr. Arkke Eskola (arkke.eskola(a)helsinki.fi)
Trace gas analysis
We are interested in applying sensitive trace gas (very low gas concentration) analysis techniques to applications such as exhaled breath analysis and headspace analysis of bacteria in vitro. The motivation is to develop new non-invasive methods for medical diagnostics and monitoring. We employ analysis techniques based on both mass spectrometry and optical spectroscopy. We are also developing novel analysis techniques, such as a combination of sensitive optical spectroscopy with novel chemical separation methodology based on ion mobility. In addition, we are exploring sensitive optical spectroscopy for non-invasive monitoring of blood glucose through the skin.
Website: www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/molecular-science/molecular-science-research-groups/trace-gas-analysis-group-dr-markus-metsala
Contact person: Dr. Markus Metsälä (markus.metsala(a)helsinki.fi)
Low Temperature Chemistry
Our current research focuses on investigating the structure, reactivity and photochemistry of molecules of atmospheric and astrochemical relevance in laboratory conditions (e.g. low-temperature cryogenic matrices) that somewhat mimic their naturally cold environments, such as the upper levels of the atmosphere or the interstellar medium in space.
Contact person: Luís Duarte (English, luis.duarte(a)helsinki.fi)
Molecular Level Atmospheric Science
We combine quantum chemistry, aerosol physics, machine learning, and spectroscopy to solve how molecular properties affect to the oxidation chemistry and aerosol particle formation in the atmosphere. Scientific topics in our group include studying atmospheric reaction mechanisms leading to low-volatility compounds, their stabilities and properties, clustering mechanisms, and climatic impact. Knowledge of the molecule–climate integration guides toward sustainable environmental policy. The aim of our research group is not only do excellent science but actively promote more inclusive academic community.
Website: www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/molecular-level-atmospheric-science
Contact person: Doc. Nanna Myllys (nanna.myllys(a)helsinki.fi)
Radiochemistry
Radiochemistry
The Radiochemistry Unit is home to several research groups. All offer exciting possibilities for bachelor’s and master’s level research (listed below). The Radiochemistry Unit is Finland’s largest university-based radiochemistry facility and education provider. Many of our students go on to complete PhD studies and/or practice as radiochemists in industry or healthcare.
- Ion Exchange (IX) Research: The group’s mission is to develop materials for the selective separation of metal and metalloids from contaminated solutions. The extreme selectivity of the group’s materials is what distinguishes them from other separation methods, and in their vision, they can purify and concentrate harmful elements (such as chromium or radioactive cesium) from very large volumes, into much smaller volumes (e.g., swimming pool size into a cigarette size column). This has been proven true in the group’s work with radionuclides and now they are also developing materials to re-circulate rare-earth metals from scrapyard materials into wind turbines and electric cars. For this, the synthesis and analysis of inorganic and hybrid materials are at the center of the team’s research, which is done in co-operation with other units in the Department (e.g., Inorganic, Polymer, Organic Labs) and across the Faculty (e.g., the X-ray Lab in the Department of Physics).
- Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry: Radiopharmaceutical chemistry research is completed by the Tracers in Molecular Imaging (TRIM) group. Research completed by the group includes design, synthesis, and characterization of radiolabeling precursors and reference compounds, radiolabeling synthesis with several radioisotopes, including fluorine-18 and gallium-68, and biological evaluation of the radiolabeled tracers. The group’s research is completed in collaboration with scientists from the University’s Faculties of Pharmacy, Medicine, and the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), and with a wide range of other national and international partners.
- Environmental Radiochemistry, Radioactive Waste Disposal, Nuclear Decommissioning, and Nuclear Incident Response: Our work supports the international nuclear industry in priority areas such as better defining radionuclide behavior as relevant to spent fuel geological disposal, nuclear accidents (e.g., Fukushima Daiichi), mining etc. We also work on issues to do with the atmospheric transport of radionuclides, radionuclide ecosystem transfer, nuclear power-plant decommissioning, radioactive contamination clean-up, and radioanalytical chemistry. Our research teams work directly with the nuclear industry (e.g., Posiva, TVO) and its regulators (STUK), and we are involved in many of the major EU research projects in these areas. Projects with company placements are often available.
Websites:
Radionuclide reaction and fate
Nuclear waste disposal
Tracers in molecular imaging
Contact persons:
- IX – Dr Risto Koivula (risto.koivula(a)helsinki.fi)
- Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry – Prof. Mirkka Sarparanta (mirkka.sarparanta(a)helsinki.fi),
- Environmental Radiochemistry, Radioactive Waste Disposal, Nuclear Decommissioning, and Nuclear Incident Response: Dr. Susanna Salminen Paatero (susanna.salminen-paatero(a)helsinki.fi); Prof. Gareth Law, Head of Radiochemistry Unit (English, Gareth.law(a)helsinki.fi)
Analytical chemistry
Bioanalytical research
Instrumental bioanalytical research is carried out in group with emphasis on developing separation methodologies and optical sensing techniques for numerous types of bionanoparticles. Chromatographic and capillary electromigration (CE) techniques, field flow fractionation (AF4), and biosensing methodologies are continuously being developed. Much focus is on using liposomes or other types of vesicles as biomimetic membrane models for investigating analyte-membrane interactions using various modes of CE or liquid chromatography. Using sensing methodologies, interactions between biomembrane-mimicking surfaces and analytes are investigated. The goal is to get a better understanding of various types of bionanoparticles and to investigate their composition and interactions with various compounds.
Contact person: professor Susanne Wiedmer (susanne.wiedmer(a)helsinki.fi)
Environmental analytical chemistry
Research in the field of environmental analytical chemistry is focused on the development of selective, efficient and reliable techniques and methods for sampling, sample pre-treatment, analysis and detection of environmental samples. The goal is to solve a variety of environmental problems and to shed light on research areas where these systems are needed.
Contact person: Dr. Kari Hartonen (kari.hartonen(a)helsinki.fi)
Polymer chemistry
Polymer and soft matter chemistry
We concentrate on modern and advanced polymer synthesis for multifunctional and smart polymer materials. Several of the research topics below are our common ones.
Synthesis of polymers: Often starting from monomer synthesis, we synthesize amphiphilic water soluble polymers and well as polymers and polymer precursors for additive manufacturing. Synthesis techniques vary but often we use different controlled radical polymerization methods and ionic polymerizations. Typically these techniques involve the use of air-free and water-free equipment. Syntheses are conducted in solutions, dispersions, or emulsions.
Advanced polymer characterization typically requires combination of different analytical techniques, including the following: Size exclusion chromatography, field flow fractionation, 1D, 2D and diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy, light scattering, calorimetry, rheology and matrix assisted mass spectrometry.
Applications: We investigate polymers and soft matter for a wide range of application, including applications as biodegradable materials and biomaterials, smart and thermoresponsive materials, polymers for nanomedicine (drug and gene delivery). In addition, we utilize various 3D printing techniques and tailor polymers for this use.
Possible topics:
- Novel monomers for advanced biomaterials
- Polymers for 3D printing and bioprinting and 3D printing of drug formulations
- Investigating structure-property relationships for drug and gene delivery
- Polymerization induced self-assembly
- Smart hydro- and nanogels
- Supramolecular assembly and bonding in polymers
- Hybrid nanomaterials
- Physico-chemical characterization of polymers and other nano objects
- Cellulose in ionic liquids
- 3D printing of biodegradable elastomers or hydrogels
- Light-emitting polymers for OLEDs and imaging
Website: www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/polymers
Contact persons: Prof. Robert Luxenhofer (English, robert.luxenhofer(a)helsinki.fi), Prof. Yinyin Bao (English, yinyin.bao(a)helsinki.fi), Dr. Sami Hietala (sami.hietala(a)helsinki.fi), Dr. Vladimir Aseyev (vladimir.aseyev(a)helsinki.fi)
Institute in the Department of Chemistry:
VERIFIN (Finnish institute for the verification of the chemical weapons convention)
VERIFIN consists of a versatile team of scientists that work in the discovery, design, and development of analysis methods and detector testing to support chemical disarmament. We are a designated laboratory of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for environmental and biomedical samples and an expert in biotoxin analysis and chemical forensics.
Website: www.helsinki.fi/en/verifin
Contact person: Dr. Hanna Hakulinen (hanna.hakulinen(a)helsinki.fi)