Research

The ICAM’s scope has broadened to cover a wider range of topics including materials, chemistry, catalysis, biosciences, subsurface and more.

An ICAM researcher conducting an experiment in the lab

Our Evolving Research Focus

To make a difference in today’s energy systems and help build tomorrow’s, the ICAM brings together interdisciplinary teams with expertise across science and engineering. Our research tackles challenges in the energy sector through projects in areas such as:

  • Materials and metallurgy
  • Chemistry and catalysis
  • Chemical and process engineering
  • Biology and biosciences
  • Environmental and geosciences.

Our approach combines deep technical expertise with practical insight. For example, topic specialists work alongside experts in modelling and characterisation, while mechanistic understanding is integrated with scale-up and business considerations. This collaboration ensures research delivers real-world impact.

Business value infographic: building icons against a grey background with the text 'business value estimated at $200m over the first 13 years of ICAM'

Delivering Value

Our research projects are designed to deliver long-term value by providing insights that reduce risk in technology selection, improve operational efficiency and product performance, and identify emerging breakthroughs that shape the future of energy.

Case Studies

Illustration of Microcapsules containing visual indicators are embedded in the coating. Upon mechanical damage, the capsules rupture and the released core materials react with the coating to locally change colour

Self-healing Smart Coatings

The ICAM’s researchers have developed smart coatings that can autonomously detect, report on, and heal damage, reducing maintenance costs and improving safety in harsh environments.

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A bp depentanizer reboiler that was taken out of service due to high temperature hydrogen attack (HTHA), and studied in this research.

Understanding and Preventing Hydrogen Attack to Enhance Safety in Refineries

Researchers at the ICAM have developed a mechanism-based model to predict high temperature hydrogen attack (HTHA), a process that weakens steel and can lead to catastrophic equipment failure in hydrogen-rich environments.

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Illustration - Route to Scale: Industrial and academic working on the same road

Advancing Clean Energy with Innovative Catalysts

Fischer Tropsch synthesis provides an effective route for converting sustainable feedstocks including biomass and municipal solid waste to high value products such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

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Experimental set-up showing electrochemical H cell

Developing Sustainable Catalysts for CO₂ Conversion

This EPSRC-funded Prosperity Partnership brings together Cardiff University, The University of Manchester, Johnson Matthey, and bp to advance catalyst technologies for a low-carbon future. Catalysts are vital for converting biomass, waste, and CO₂ into fuels and chemicals, supporting clean growth and reducing emissions.

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Two scientists working in Imperial's Carbon Capture Pilot Plant

Developing Better Modelling Tools for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Researchers at the ICAM are developing a digital modelling platform that can predict the key physical properties of sustainable aviation fuel blends, as well as larger pool of hydrocarbons mixtures from wide ranges of sources.

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A group photo of ICAM members at our annual conference

The ICAM is comprised
of talented scientists

The ICAM brings together academics, PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and bp industry experts, combining cross disciplinary expertise to address critical challenges for the energy transition.

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Publications

The ICAM brings together interdisciplinary teams with expertise across science and engineering. The scientific publications authored by our researchers showcase some of the ground-breaking work taking place across the ICAM partnership.

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