Chemistry Research from Molecules to Materials
Our research program explores the fascinating world of chemistry, from the intricate behavior of electrons in molecules to the macroscopic properties of advanced materials. Faculty in the Chemistry Department pursue research in physical chemistry, polymer science, electrochemistry, materials science, environmental chemistry, photochemistry, spectroscopy, and interdisciplinary areas connected with biology, medicine, and energy technologies.
These research activities combine fundamental chemical understanding with practical applications in sustainable materials, nanotechnology, catalysis, sensors, biomedical systems, energy conversion, and environmental remediation. The department supports both experimentally driven and interdisciplinary research that connects chemistry with physics, engineering, pharmacy, and life sciences.
This page presents an overview of the research interests currently represented in the Chemistry Department. Prospective graduate students are encouraged to contact faculty members directly for further information about supervision areas, current projects, and research opportunities.
Research Interests
Electrochemistry, Photochemistry, Spectroscopy, and Organic Chemistry
Prof. Dr. Huriye İcil
Research interests span electrochemistry, photochemistry, spectroscopy, organic chemistry, and energy-related materials. Her work includes dye-sensitized solar cells, chemical sensors and biosensors, synthesis of nanomaterials, molecular and polymeric semiconductors, light-emitting diodes, synthesis and characterization of DNA-binding organic compounds, and electron transfer processes.
Dr. Duygu Uzun
Research interests include electron transfer processes, photochemistry, spectroscopy, and light-emitting diode systems, with emphasis on molecular-level electronic behavior and functional organic materials.
Dr. Meltem Dinleyici
Research interests include electron transfer processes, photochemistry, spectroscopy, and light-emitting diode systems, particularly in relation to optoelectronic and molecular electronic applications.
Biochemistry and Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research
Assist. Prof. Dr. Ergül Mutlu Altundağ
Research interests include biochemistry, cell culture and cytotoxicity studies, cell death mechanisms, natural products in drug discovery, stem cell biology including mesenchymal stem cells and dendritic cells, reactive oxygen species, epigenetic mechanisms in cancer, and the proteasome system. Her work strengthens interdisciplinary connections between chemistry, medicine, and biomedical sciences.
Polymer, Physical, Environmental, and Materials Chemistry
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Gazi
Research interests include physical chemistry, polymer chemistry, environmental chemistry, catalyst chemistry, and energy and materials sciences. His work covers adsorption, selective liquid-liquid extraction, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, designed monomers and polymers, copolymers, grafting polymers, crosslinked polymers, hydrogels, ion-exchange resins, chelating polymers, functional and antibacterial polymers, biomedical and magnetic polymers, polymer blends and composites, as well as wastewater treatment, heavy-metal removal, dye and phenol removal, photocatalytic degradation, porous and mesoporous materials, bio-based materials, smart materials, supercapacitors, and eco-friendly composite systems.
Prof. Dr. Elvan Yılmaz
Research interests focus on polymer chemistry, physical chemistry, and environmental applications of functional polymeric systems. Her work includes polymer synthesis and characterization, grafting of synthetic polymers onto chitin, chitosan, and alginates, surface modification of polymer and biopolymer gels, polymer gels as loading and controlled-release matrices for chemical, biochemical, and pharmaceutical agents, and the miscibility behavior of polymers in solution.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akeem Adeyemi Oladipo
Research interests include physical chemistry, polymer chemistry, environmental chemistry, catalyst chemistry, and materials science. His work addresses adsorption, extraction techniques, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, polymerization methods, functional polymers, hydrogels, ion-exchange and chelating systems, antibacterial and biomedical polymers, wastewater treatment, heavy-metal and dye removal, photocatalytic degradation, and advanced materials such as porous, mesoporous, magnetic, bio-based, smart, and environmentally friendly composite materials.
