100+ Great Chemistry Research Topics

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Table of contents

  • 1 5 Tips for Writing Chemistry Research Papers
  • 2 Chemical Engineering Research Topics
  • 3 Organic Сhemistry Research Topics
  • 4 Іnorganic Сhemistry Research Topics
  • 5 Biomolecular Сhemistry Research Topics
  • 6 Analytical Chemistry Research Topics
  • 7 Computational Chemistry Research Topics
  • 8 Physical Chemistry Research Topics
  • 9 Innovative Chemistry Research Topics
  • 10 Environmental Chemistry Research Topics
  • 11 Green Chemistry Research Topics
  • 12.1 Conclusion

Do you need a topic for your chemistry research paper? Are you unsure of where to start? Don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll go over a series of the best chemistry research paper topics as well as Tips for Writing Chemistry Research Papers on different topics. By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll have plenty of ideas to get started on your next research project!

There are many different subfields of chemistry, so it can be tough to find interesting chemistry topics to write about. If you’re struggling to narrow down your topic, we’ll go over lists of topics in multiple fields of study.

Doing research is important to help scientists learn more about the world around us. By researching different compounds and elements, we can learn more about how they interact with one another and how they can be used to create new products or improve existing ones.

There are many different topics that you can choose to research in chemistry. Here are just a few examples:

  • The history of chemistry and how it has evolved over time
  • How different chemicals react with one another
  • How to create new compounds or improve existing ones
  • The role of chemistry in the environment
  • The health effects of different chemicals

5 Tips for Writing Chemistry Research Papers

Once you have chosen a topic for your research paper , it is important to follow some tips to ensure that your paper is well-written and accurate. Here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Start by doing some background research on your topic. This will help you understand the basics of the topic and give you a good foundation to build your paper on.
  • Make sure to cite all of the sources that you use in your paper. This will help to show where you got your information and will also help to add credibility to your work.
  • Be sure to proofread your paper before you submit it. This will ensure that there are no errors and that your paper is clear and concise.
  • Get help from a tutor or friend if you are struggling with your paper. They may be able to offer helpful advice or feedback.
  • Take your time when writing your research paper. This is not a race, and it is important to make sure that you do a good job on your research.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your chemistry research paper will be a success! So what are you waiting for? Let’s go over some of the best research paper topics out there. Choosing a chemistry research topic is just the first step. The complexity of scientific writing can be daunting. For those who need assistance, a professional research paper writer can help you craft a well-researched and clearly articulated paper.

Chemical Engineering Research Topics

Chemical Engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design and application of chemical processes. If you’re wondering how to choose a paper topic, here are some ideas to inspire you:

  • How to create new alloy compounds or improve existing ones
  • The health effects of the food industry chemicals
  • Chemical engineering and sustainable development
  • The future of chemical engineering
  • Chemical engineering and the food industry
  • Chemical engineering and the pharmaceutical industry
  • Chemical engineering and the cosmetics industry
  • Chemical engineering and the petrochemical industry
  • Biocompatible materials for drug delivery systems
  • Membrane technology in water treatment
  • Development of synthetic fibers for industrial use

These are just a few examples – there are many more possibilities out there! So get started on your research today. Who knows what you might discover!

Need expert assistance with a research project? Get your paper written by a professional writer Get Help Reviews.io 4.9/5

Organic Сhemistry Research Topics

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing molecules. There are many different organic chemistry research topics that a student could choose to focus on and here are just a few examples of possible research projects in organic chemistry:

  • Investigating new methods for synthesizing chiral molecules
  • Studying the structure and reactivity of carbon nanotubes
  • Investigating metal complexes with organometallic ligands
  • Designing benzene derivatives with improved thermal stability
  • Exploring new ways to control the stereochemistry of chemical reactions
  • Studying the role of enzymes in organic synthesis
  • Investigating new strategies for combating drug resistance
  • Developing new methods for detecting explosives residues
  • Studying the photochemistry of organic molecules
  • Studying the behavior of organometallic compounds in biological systems
  • Synthetic routes for biodegradable plastics
  • Catalysis in organic synthesis
  • Development of non-toxic solvents

Іnorganic Сhemistry Research Topics

Inorganic Chemistry is the study of the chemistry of materials that do not contain carbon. Unlike other chemistry research topics, these include elements such as metals, minerals, and inorganic compounds. If you are looking for inorganic chemistry research topics on inorganic chemistry, here are some ideas to get you started:

  • How different metals react with one another
  • How to create new alloys or improve existing ones
  • The role of inorganic chemistry in the environment
  • Rare earth elements and their applications in electronics
  • Inorganic polymers in construction materials
  • Photoluminescent materials for energy conversion
  • Inorganic chemistry and sustainable development
  • The future of inorganic chemistry
  • Inorganic chemistry and the food industry
  • Inorganic chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry
  • Atomic structure progressive scale grading
  • Inorganiс Сhemistry and the cosmetics industry

Biomolecular Сhemistry Research Topics

Biomolecular chemistry is the study of molecules that are important for life. These molecules can be found in all living things, from tiny bacteria to the largest animals. Researchers who work in this field use a variety of techniques to learn more about how these molecules function and how they interact with each other.

If you are looking for essential biomolecular chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

  • The structure and function of DNA
  • Lipidomics and its applications in disease diagnostics
  • The structure and function of proteins
  • The role of carbohydrates in the body
  • The role of lipids in the body
  • How enzymes work
  • Protein engineering for therapeutic applications
  • The role of biochemistry in heart disease
  • Cyanides and their effect on the body
  • The role of biochemistry in cancer treatment
  • The role of biochemistry in Parkison’s disease treatment
  • The role of biochemistry in the immune system
  • Carbohydrate-based vaccines

The possibilities are endless for someone willing to dedicate some time to research.

Analytical Chemistry Research Topics

Analytical Chemistry is a type of chemistry that helps scientists figure out what something is made of. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as spectroscopy or chromatography. If you are looking for research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

  • How food chemicals react with one another
  • Mass spectrometry
  • Microplastics detection in marine environments
  • Development of sensors for heavy metal detection in water
  • Analytical aspects of gas and liquid chromatography
  • Analytical chemistry and sustainable development
  • Atomic absorption spectroscopy methods and best practices
  • Analytical chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry in Ibuprofen consumption
  • Analytical chemistry and the cosmetics industry in UV protectors
  • High-throughput screening methods in pharmaceutical analysis
  • Dispersive X-ray analysis of damaged tissues

Analytical chemistry is considered by many a complex science and there is a lot yet to be discovered in the field.

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Computational Chemistry Research Topics

Computational chemistry is a way to use computers to help chemists understand chemical reactions. This can be done by simulating reactions or by designing new molecules. If you are looking for essential chemistry research topics in computational chemistry, here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Molecular mechanics simulation
  • Machine learning applications in predicting molecular properties
  • Reaction rates of complex chemical reactions
  • Designing new molecules: how can simulation help
  • The role of computers in the study of quantum mechanics
  • How to use computers to predict chemical reactions
  • Using computers to understand organic chemistry
  • The future of computational Chemistry in organic reactions
  • The impacts of simulation on the development of new medications
  • Combustion reaction simulation impact on engine development
  • Quantum-chemistry simulation review
  • Simulation of protein folding and misfolding in diseases
  • Development of algorithms for chemical synthesis planning
  • Applications of Metal-Organic Frameworks in water sequestration and catalysis

Computers are cutting-edge technology in chemical research and this relatively new field of study has a ton yet to be explored.

Physical Chemistry Research Topics

Physical chemistry is the study of how matter behaves. It looks at the physical and chemical properties of atoms and molecules and how they interact with each other. If you are looking for physical chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Standardization of pH scales
  • Structure of atom on a quantum scale
  • Bonding across atoms and molecules
  • The effect of temperature on chemical reactions
  • The role of light in in-body chemical reactions
  • Chemical kinetics
  • Molecular dynamics in confined spaces
  • Quantum computing for solving chemical problems
  • Studies on non-Newtonian fluids in industrial processes
  • Surface tension and its effects on mixtures
  • The role of pressure in chemical reactions
  • Rates of diffusion in gases and liquids
  • The role of entropy in chemical reactions

Here are just a few samples, but there are plenty more options! Start your research right now!

Innovative Chemistry Research Topics

Innovative chemistry is all about coming up with new ideas and ways to do things. This can be anything from creating new materials to finding new ways to make existing products. If you are looking for ground-breaking chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Amino acids side chain effects in protein folding
  • Chemistry in the production of nanomaterials
  • The role of enzymes in chemical reactions
  • Photocatalysis in 3D printing
  • Avoiding pesticides in agriculture
  • Combining chemical and biological processes
  • Gene modification in medicinal chemistry
  • The role of quantum mechanics in chemical reactions
  • Astrochemical research on extraterrestrial molecules
  • Spectroscopy signatures of pressurized organic components
  • Development of smart materials with responsive properties
  • Chemistry in space: studying chemical reactions in microgravity
  • Utilization of CO2 in chemical synthesis
  • Use of black soldier fly carcasses for bioplastic production using extracted chitin
  • Bioorthogonal chemistry for molecule synthesis inside living systems

If you need a hand, there are several sites that also offer research papers for sale and can be a great asset as you work to create your own research papers.

Whatever route you decide to take, good luck! And remember – the sky’s the limit when it comes to research! So get started today and see where your studies may take you. Who knows, you might just make a breakthrough discovery!

Environmental Chemistry Research Topics

Environmental Chemistry is the study of how chemicals interact with the environment. This can include anything from the air we breathe to the water we drink. If you are looking for environmental chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Plastic effects on ocean life
  • Urban ecology
  • The role of carbon in climate change
  • Air pollution and its effects
  • Water pollution and its effects
  • Chemicals in food and their effect on the body
  • The effect of chemicals on plant life
  • Earth temperature prediction models
  • Effects of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments
  • Atmospheric chemistry and urban air quality
  • Bioremediation techniques for oil spill cleanup
  • Regulatory and environmental impact of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFA) substances
  • Comparison of chemical regulation impacts like PFA with historical cases such as lead in fuel

A lot of research on the environment is being conducted at the moment because the environment is in danger. There are a lot of environmental problems that need to be solved, and research is the key to solving them.

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Green Chemistry Research Topics

Green chemistry is the study of how to make products and processes that are environmentally friendly. This can include anything from finding new ways to recycle materials to developing new products that are biodegradable. If you are looking for green chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Recycling and reuse of materials
  • Developing biodegradable materials
  • Improving existing recycling processes
  • Green chemistry and sustainable development
  • The future of green chemistry
  • Green chemistry and the food industry
  • Lifecycle assessment of chemical processes
  • Green chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry
  • Development of catalysts for green chemistry
  • Green chemistry and the cosmetics industry
  • Alternative energy sources for chemical synthesis

A more environmentally friendly world is something we all aspire for and a lot of research has been conducted on how we can achieve this, making this one of the most promising areas of study. The results have been varied, but there are a few key things we can do to make a difference.

Controversial Chemistry Research Topics

Controversial chemistry is all about hot-button topics that people are passionate about. This can include anything from the use of chemicals in warfare to the health effects of different chemicals. If you are looking for controversial topics to write about , here are some ideas to get you started:

  • The use of chemicals in warfare
  • Gene modification in human babies
  • Bioengineering
  • How fast food chemicals affect the human brain
  • The role of the government in regulating chemicals
  • Evolution of cigarette chemicals over time
  • Chemical effects of CBD oils
  • Ethical issues in genetic modification of organisms
  • Nuclear energy: risks and benefits
  • Use of chemicals in electronic waste recycling
  • Antidepressant chemical reactions
  • Synthetic molecule replication methods
  • Gene analysis

Controversial research papers often appear in the media before it has been peer-reviewed and published in a scientific journal. The reason for this is that the media is interested in stories that are new, exciting, and generate a lot of debate.

Chemistry is an incredibly diverse and interesting field, with many controversial topics to write about. If you are looking for a research topic, consider the examples listed in this article. With a little bit of effort, you are sure to find a topic that is both interesting and within your skillset.

In order to be a good researcher, it is important to be able to think critically and solve problems. However, innovation in chemistry research can be challenging. When thinking about how to innovate, it is important to consider both the practical and theoretical aspects of your research. Additionally, try to build on the work of others in order to create something new and unique. With a little bit of effort, you are sure to be able to find a topic that is both interesting and within your skillset.

Happy writing!

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Home » 300+ Chemistry Research Topics

300+ Chemistry Research Topics

Table of Contents

Chemistry Research Topics

Chemistry is a fascinating and complex field that explores the composition, properties, and behavior of matter at the molecular and atomic level. As a result, there are numerous chemistry research topics that can be explored, ranging from the development of new materials and drugs to the study of natural compounds and the environment. In this rapidly evolving field, researchers are constantly uncovering new insights and pushing the boundaries of our understanding of chemistry. Whether you are a student, a professional researcher, or simply curious about the world around you, there is always something new to discover in the field of chemistry. In this post, we will explore some of the exciting and important research topics in chemistry today.

Chemistry Research Topics

Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

Organic Chemistry Research Topics

Organic Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Development of novel synthetic routes for the production of biologically active natural products
  • Investigation of reaction mechanisms and kinetics for organic transformations
  • Design and synthesis of new catalysts for asymmetric organic reactions
  • Synthesis and characterization of chiral compounds for pharmaceutical applications
  • Development of sustainable methods for the synthesis of organic molecules using renewable resources
  • Discovery of new reaction pathways for the conversion of biomass into high-value chemicals
  • Study of molecular recognition and host-guest interactions for drug design
  • Design and synthesis of new materials for energy storage and conversion
  • Development of efficient and selective methods for C-H functionalization reactions
  • Exploration of the reactivity of reactive intermediates such as radicals and carbenes
  • Study of supramolecular chemistry and self-assembly of organic molecules
  • Development of new methods for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds
  • Investigation of the biological activities and mechanisms of action of natural products
  • Synthesis of polymeric materials with controlled architecture and functionality
  • Development of new synthetic methodologies for the preparation of bioconjugates
  • Investigation of the mechanisms of enzyme catalysis and the design of enzyme inhibitors
  • Synthesis and characterization of novel fluorescent probes for biological imaging
  • Development of new synthetic strategies for the preparation of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates
  • Study of the properties and reactivity of carbon nanomaterials
  • Design and synthesis of novel drugs for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Inorganic Chemistry Research Topics

Inorganic Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Synthesis and characterization of new metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for gas storage and separation applications
  • Development of new catalysts for sustainable chemical synthesis reactions
  • Investigation of the electronic and magnetic properties of transition metal complexes for spintronics applications
  • Synthesis and characterization of novel nanomaterials for energy storage applications
  • Development of new ligands for metal coordination complexes with potential medical applications
  • Investigation of the mechanism of metal-catalyzed reactions using advanced spectroscopic techniques
  • Synthesis and characterization of new inorganic materials for photocatalytic water splitting
  • Development of new materials for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reactions
  • Investigation of the properties of transition metal oxides for energy storage and conversion applications
  • Synthesis and characterization of new metal chalcogenides for optoelectronic applications
  • Development of new methods for the preparation of inorganic nanoparticles with controlled size and shape
  • Investigation of the reactivity and catalytic properties of metal clusters
  • Synthesis and characterization of new metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs) for gas storage and separation applications
  • Development of new methods for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles using environmentally friendly reducing agents
  • Investigation of the properties of metal-organic frameworks for gas sensing applications
  • Synthesis and characterization of new coordination polymers with potential magnetic and electronic properties
  • Development of new materials for electrocatalytic water oxidation reactions
  • Investigation of the properties of metal-organic frameworks for carbon capture and storage applications
  • Synthesis and characterization of new metal-containing polymers with potential applications in electronics and energy storage
  • Development of new methods for the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks using green solvents and renewable resources.

Physical Chemistry Research Topics

Physical Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Investigation of the properties and interactions of ionic liquids in aqueous and non-aqueous solutions.
  • Development of advanced analytical techniques for the study of protein structure and dynamics.
  • Investigation of the thermodynamic properties of supercritical fluids for use in industrial applications.
  • Development of novel nanomaterials for energy storage applications.
  • Studies of the surface chemistry of catalysts for the optimization of their performance in chemical reactions.
  • Development of new methods for the synthesis of complex organic molecules with improved yields and selectivity.
  • Investigation of the molecular mechanisms involved in the catalysis of biochemical reactions.
  • Development of new strategies for the controlled release of drugs and other bioactive molecules.
  • Studies of the interaction of nanoparticles with biological systems for biomedical applications.
  • Investigation of the thermodynamic properties of materials under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure.
  • Development of new methods for the characterization of materials at the nanoscale.
  • Investigation of the electronic and magnetic properties of materials for use in spintronics.
  • Development of new materials for energy conversion and storage.
  • Studies of the kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption processes on surfaces.
  • Investigation of the transport properties of ionic liquids for use in energy storage and conversion devices.
  • Development of new materials for the capture and sequestration of greenhouse gases.
  • Studies of the structure and properties of biomolecules for use in drug design and development.
  • Investigation of the dynamics of chemical reactions in solution using time-resolved spectroscopic techniques.
  • Development of new approaches for the synthesis of metallic and semiconductor nanoparticles with controlled size and shape.
  • Studies of the structure and properties of materials for use in electrochemical energy storage devices.

Analytical Chemistry Research Topics

Analytical Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Development and optimization of analytical techniques for the quantification of trace elements in food and environmental samples.
  • Design and synthesis of novel analytical probes for the detection of biomolecules in complex matrices.
  • Investigation of the fundamental mechanisms involved in the separation and detection of complex mixtures using chromatographic techniques.
  • Development of sensors and biosensors for the detection of chemical and biological species in real-time.
  • Investigation of the chemical and structural properties of nanomaterials and their applications in analytical chemistry.
  • Development and validation of analytical methods for the quantification of contaminants and pollutants in water, air, and soil.
  • Investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying drug metabolism and toxicity using mass spectrometry.
  • Development of analytical tools for the identification and quantification of drugs of abuse in biological matrices.
  • Investigation of the chemical composition and properties of natural products and their applications in medicine and food science.
  • Development of advanced analytical techniques for the characterization of proteins and peptides.
  • Investigation of the chemistry and mechanism of action of antioxidants in foods and their impact on human health.
  • Development of analytical methods for the detection and quantification of microorganisms in food and environmental samples.
  • Investigation of the molecular mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of important biomolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
  • Development of analytical methods for the detection and quantification of environmental toxins and their impact on human health.
  • Investigation of the structure and properties of biological membranes and their role in drug delivery and disease.
  • Development of analytical techniques for the characterization of complex mixtures such as petroleum and crude oil.
  • Investigation of the chemistry and mechanism of action of natural and synthetic dyes.
  • Development of analytical techniques for the detection and quantification of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in water and wastewater.
  • Investigation of the chemical composition and properties of biopolymers and their applications in biomedicine and biomaterials.
  • Development of analytical methods for the identification and quantification of essential nutrients and vitamins in food and dietary supplements.

Biochemistry Research Topics

Biochemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • The role of enzymes in metabolic pathways
  • The biochemistry of DNA replication and repair
  • Protein folding and misfolding diseases
  • Lipid metabolism and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis
  • The role of vitamins and minerals in human metabolism
  • Biochemistry of cancer and the development of targeted therapies
  • The biochemistry of signal transduction pathways and their regulation
  • The mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in bacteria
  • The biochemistry of neurotransmitters and their roles in behavior and disease
  • The role of oxidative stress in aging and age-related diseases
  • The biochemistry of microbial fermentation and its applications in industry
  • The biochemistry of the immune system and its response to pathogens
  • The biochemistry of plant metabolism and its regulation
  • The molecular basis of genetic diseases and gene therapy
  • The biochemistry of membrane transport and its role in cell function
  • The biochemistry of muscle contraction and its regulation
  • The role of lipids in membrane structure and function
  • The biochemistry of photosynthesis and its regulation
  • The biochemistry of RNA splicing and alternative splicing events
  • The biochemistry of epigenetics and its regulation in gene expression.

Environmental Chemistry Research Topics

Environmental Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Investigating the effects of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems and their potential impact on human health.
  • Examining the impact of climate change on soil quality and nutrient availability in agricultural systems.
  • Developing methods to improve the removal of heavy metals from contaminated soils and waterways.
  • Assessing the effectiveness of natural and synthetic antioxidants in mitigating the effects of air pollution on human health.
  • Investigating the potential for using algae and other microorganisms to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
  • Studying the role of biodegradable plastics in reducing plastic waste and their impact on the environment.
  • Examining the impact of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals on water quality and the health of aquatic organisms.
  • Investigating the effects of ocean acidification on marine organisms and ecosystems.
  • Developing new materials and technologies to reduce carbon emissions from industrial processes.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of phytoremediation in cleaning up contaminated soils and waterways.
  • Studying the impact of microplastics on terrestrial ecosystems and their potential to enter the food chain.
  • Developing sustainable methods for managing and recycling electronic waste.
  • Investigating the role of natural processes, such as weathering and erosion, in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
  • Assessing the impact of urbanization on air quality and developing strategies to mitigate pollution in cities.
  • Examining the effects of climate change on the distribution and abundance of species in different ecosystems.
  • Investigating the impact of ocean currents on the distribution of pollutants and other environmental contaminants.
  • Developing new materials and technologies for renewable energy generation and storage.
  • Studying the effects of deforestation on soil quality, water availability, and biodiversity.
  • Assessing the potential for using waste materials, such as agricultural residues and municipal solid waste, as sources of renewable energy.
  • Investigating the role of natural and synthetic chemicals in regulating ecosystem functions, such as nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.

Polymer Chemistry Research Topics

Polymer Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Development of new monomers for high-performance polymers
  • Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable polymers for sustainable packaging
  • Design of stimuli-responsive polymers for drug delivery applications
  • Investigation of the properties and applications of conductive polymers
  • Development of new catalysts for controlled/living polymerization
  • Synthesis of polymers with tailored mechanical properties
  • Characterization of the structure-property relationship in polymer nanocomposites
  • Study of the impact of polymer architecture on material properties
  • Design and synthesis of new polymeric materials for energy storage
  • Development of high-throughput methods for polymer synthesis and characterization
  • Exploration of new strategies for polymer recycling and upcycling
  • Synthesis and characterization of responsive polymer networks for smart textiles
  • Design of advanced polymer coatings with self-healing properties
  • Investigation of the impact of processing conditions on the morphology and properties of polymer materials
  • Study of the interactions between polymers and biological systems
  • Development of biocompatible polymers for tissue engineering applications
  • Synthesis and characterization of block copolymers for advanced membrane applications
  • Exploration of the potential of polymer-based sensors and actuators
  • Design of novel polymer electrolytes for advanced batteries and fuel cells
  • Study of the behavior of polymers under extreme conditions, such as high pressure or temperature.

Materials Chemistry Research Topics

Materials Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Development of new advanced materials for energy storage and conversion
  • Synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials for environmental remediation
  • Design and fabrication of stimuli-responsive materials for drug delivery
  • Investigation of electrocatalytic materials for fuel cells and electrolysis
  • Fabrication of flexible and stretchable electronic materials for wearable devices
  • Development of novel materials for high-performance electronic devices
  • Exploration of organic-inorganic hybrid materials for optoelectronic applications
  • Study of corrosion-resistant coatings for metallic materials
  • Investigation of biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
  • Synthesis and characterization of metal-organic frameworks for gas storage and separation
  • Design and fabrication of new materials for water purification
  • Investigation of carbon-based materials for supercapacitors and batteries
  • Synthesis and characterization of self-healing materials for structural applications
  • Development of new materials for catalysis and chemical reactions
  • Exploration of magnetic materials for spintronic devices
  • Investigation of thermoelectric materials for energy conversion
  • Study of 2D materials for electronic and optoelectronic applications
  • Development of sustainable and eco-friendly materials for packaging
  • Fabrication of advanced materials for sensors and actuators
  • Investigation of materials for high-temperature applications such as aerospace and nuclear industries.

Nuclear Chemistry Research Topics

Nuclear Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Nuclear fission and fusion reactions
  • Nuclear power plant safety and radiation protection
  • Radioactive waste management and disposal
  • Nuclear fuel cycle and waste reprocessing
  • Nuclear energy and its impact on climate change
  • Radiation therapy for cancer treatment
  • Radiopharmaceuticals for medical imaging
  • Nuclear medicine and its role in diagnostics
  • Nuclear forensics and nuclear security
  • Isotopic analysis in environmental monitoring and pollution control
  • Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
  • Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Radiation damage in materials and radiation effects on electronic devices
  • Nuclear data evaluation and validation
  • Nuclear reactors design and optimization
  • Nuclear fuel performance and irradiation behavior
  • Nuclear energy systems integration and optimization
  • Neutron and gamma-ray detection and measurement techniques
  • Nuclear astrophysics and cosmology
  • Nuclear weapons proliferation and disarmament.

Medicinal Chemistry Research Topics

Medicinal Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Drug discovery and development
  • Design and synthesis of novel drugs
  • Medicinal chemistry of natural products
  • Structure-activity relationships (SAR) of drugs
  • Rational drug design using computational methods
  • Target identification and validation
  • Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK)
  • Drug delivery systems
  • Development of new antibiotics
  • Design of drugs for the treatment of cancer
  • Development of drugs for the treatment of neurological disorders
  • Medicinal chemistry of peptides and proteins
  • Development of drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases
  • Discovery of new antiviral agents
  • Design of drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases
  • Medicinal chemistry of enzyme inhibitors
  • Development of drugs for the treatment of inflammatory diseases
  • Design of drugs for the treatment of metabolic disorders
  • Medicinal chemistry of anti-cancer agents
  • Development of drugs for the treatment of rare diseases.

Food Chemistry Research Topics

Food Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Investigating the effect of cooking methods on the nutritional value of food.
  • Analyzing the role of antioxidants in preventing food spoilage and degradation.
  • Examining the effect of food processing techniques on the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables.
  • Studying the chemistry of food additives and their impact on human health.
  • Evaluating the role of enzymes in food digestion and processing.
  • Investigating the chemical properties and functional uses of food proteins.
  • Analyzing the effect of food packaging materials on the quality and safety of food products.
  • Examining the chemistry of food flavorings and the impact of flavor on consumer acceptance.
  • Studying the role of carbohydrates in food texture and structure.
  • Investigating the chemistry of food lipids and their impact on human health.
  • Analyzing the chemical properties and functional uses of food gums and emulsifiers.
  • Examining the effect of processing on the flavor and aroma of food products.
  • Studying the chemistry of food preservatives and their impact on food safety.
  • Investigating the chemical properties and functional uses of food fibers.
  • Analyzing the effect of food processing on the bioavailability of nutrients.
  • Examining the chemistry of food colorants and their impact on consumer acceptance.
  • Studying the role of vitamins and minerals in food and their impact on human health.
  • Investigating the chemical properties and functional uses of food hydrocolloids.
  • Analyzing the effect of food processing on the allergenicity of food products.
  • Examining the chemistry of food sweeteners and their impact on human health.

Industrial Chemistry Research Topics

Industrial Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Development of catalysts for selective hydrogenation reactions in the petrochemical industry.
  • Green chemistry approaches for the synthesis of biodegradable polymers from renewable sources.
  • Optimization of solvent extraction processes for the separation of rare earth elements from ores.
  • Development of novel materials for energy storage applications, such as lithium-ion batteries.
  • Production of biofuels from non-food sources, such as algae or waste biomass.
  • Application of computational chemistry to optimize the design of new catalysts and materials.
  • Design and optimization of continuous flow processes for large-scale chemical production.
  • Development of new synthetic routes for the production of pharmaceutical intermediates.
  • Investigation of the environmental impact of industrial processes and development of sustainable alternatives.
  • Development of innovative water treatment technologies for industrial wastewater.
  • Synthesis of functionalized nanoparticles for use in drug delivery and other biomedical applications.
  • Optimization of processes for the production of high-performance polymers, such as polyamides or polyesters.
  • Design and optimization of process control strategies for efficient and safe chemical production.
  • Development of new methods for the detection and removal of heavy metal ions from industrial effluents.
  • Investigation of the behavior of surfactants in complex mixtures, such as crude oil or food products.
  • Development of new materials for catalytic oxidation reactions, such as the removal of volatile organic compounds from air.
  • Investigation of the properties and behavior of materials under extreme conditions, such as high pressure or high temperature.
  • Development of new processes for the production of chemicals from renewable resources, such as bio-based building blocks.
  • Study of the kinetics and mechanism of chemical reactions in complex systems, such as multi-phase reactors.
  • Optimization of the production of fine chemicals, such as flavors and fragrances, using biocatalytic processes.

Computational Chemistry Research Topics

Computational Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Development and application of machine learning algorithms for predicting chemical reactions and properties.
  • Investigation of the role of solvents in chemical reactions using molecular dynamics simulations.
  • Modeling and simulation of protein-ligand interactions to aid drug design.
  • Study of the electronic structure and reactivity of catalysts for sustainable energy production.
  • Analysis of the thermodynamics and kinetics of complex chemical reactions using quantum chemistry methods.
  • Exploration of the mechanism and kinetics of enzyme-catalyzed reactions using molecular dynamics simulations.
  • Investigation of the properties and behavior of nanoparticles using computational modeling.
  • Development of computational tools for the prediction of chemical toxicity and environmental impact.
  • Study of the electronic properties of graphene and other 2D materials for applications in electronics and energy storage.
  • Investigation of the mechanisms of protein folding and aggregation using molecular dynamics simulations.
  • Development and optimization of computational methods for calculating thermodynamic properties of liquids and solids.
  • Study of the properties of supercritical fluids for applications in separation and extraction processes.
  • Development of new methods for the calculation of electron transfer rates in complex systems.
  • Investigation of the electronic and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes for applications in nanoelectronics and nanocomposites.
  • Development of new approaches for modeling the interaction of biomolecules with biological membranes.
  • Study of the mechanisms of charge transfer in molecular and hybrid solar cells.
  • Analysis of the structural and mechanical properties of materials under extreme conditions using molecular dynamics simulations.
  • Development of new approaches for the calculation of free energy differences in complex systems.
  • Investigation of the reaction mechanisms of metalloenzymes using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) methods.
  • Study of the properties of ionic liquids for applications in catalysis and energy storage.

Theoretical Chemistry Research Topics

Theoretical Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Quantum Chemical Studies of Excited State Processes in Organic Molecules
  • Theoretical Investigation of Structure and Reactivity of Metal-Organic Frameworks
  • Computational Modeling of Reaction Mechanisms and Kinetics in Enzyme Catalysis
  • Theoretical Investigation of Non-Covalent Interactions in Supramolecular Chemistry
  • Quantum Chemical Studies of Photochemical Processes in Organic Molecules
  • Theoretical Analysis of Charge Transport in Organic and Inorganic Materials
  • Computational Modeling of Protein Folding and Dynamics
  • Quantum Chemical Investigations of Electron Transfer Processes in Complex Systems
  • Theoretical Studies of Surface Chemistry and Catalysis
  • Computational Design of Novel Materials for Energy Storage Applications
  • Theoretical Analysis of Chemical Bonding and Molecular Orbital Theory
  • Quantum Chemical Investigations of Magnetic Properties of Complex Systems
  • Computational Modeling of Biological Membranes and Transport Processes
  • Theoretical Studies of Nonlinear Optical Properties of Molecules and Materials
  • Quantum Chemical Studies of Spectroscopic Properties of Molecules
  • Theoretical Investigations of Reaction Mechanisms in Organometallic Chemistry
  • Computational Modeling of Heterogeneous Catalysis
  • Quantum Chemical Studies of Excited State Dynamics in Photosynthesis
  • Theoretical Analysis of Chemical Reaction Networks
  • Computational Design of Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Astrochemistry Research Topics

Astrochemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Investigating the chemical composition of protoplanetary disks and its implications for planet formation
  • Examining the role of magnetic fields in the formation of complex organic molecules in space
  • Studying the effects of interstellar radiation on the chemical evolution of molecular clouds
  • Exploring the chemistry of comets and asteroids to better understand the early solar system
  • Investigating the origin and evolution of interstellar dust and its relationship to organic molecules
  • Examining the formation and destruction of interstellar molecules in shocked gas
  • Studying the chemical processes that occur in the atmospheres of planets and moons in our solar system
  • Exploring the possibility of life on other planets through astrobiology and astrochemistry
  • Investigating the chemistry of planetary nebulae and their role in the evolution of stars
  • Studying the chemical properties of exoplanets and their potential habitability
  • Examining the chemical reactions that occur in the interstellar medium
  • Investigating the chemical composition of supernova remnants and their impact on the evolution of galaxies
  • Studying the chemical composition of interstellar grains and their role in the formation of stars and planets
  • Exploring the chemistry of astrocytes and their role in the evolution of galaxies
  • Investigating the formation of interstellar ice and its implications for the origin of life
  • Examining the chemistry of molecular clouds and its relationship to star formation
  • Studying the chemical composition of the interstellar medium in different galaxies and how it varies
  • Investigating the role of cosmic rays in the formation of complex organic molecules in space
  • Exploring the chemical properties of interstellar filaments and their relationship to star formation
  • Studying the chemistry of protostars and the role of turbulence in the formation of stars.

Geochemistry Research Topics

Geochemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Understanding the role of mineralogical and geochemical factors on metal mobility in contaminated soils
  • Investigating the sources and fate of dissolved organic matter in aquatic systems
  • Exploring the geochemical signatures of ancient sedimentary rocks to reconstruct Earth’s past atmospheric conditions
  • Studying the impacts of land-use change on soil organic matter content and quality
  • Investigating the impact of acid mine drainage on water quality and ecosystem health
  • Examining the processes controlling the behavior and fate of emerging contaminants in the environment
  • Characterizing the organic matter composition of shale gas formations to better understand hydrocarbon storage and migration
  • Evaluating the potential for carbon capture and storage in geologic formations
  • Investigating the geochemical processes controlling the formation and evolution of ore deposits
  • Studying the geochemistry of geothermal systems to better understand energy production potential and environmental impacts
  • Exploring the impacts of climate change on the biogeochemistry of terrestrial ecosystems
  • Investigating the geochemical cycling of nutrients in coastal marine environments
  • Characterizing the isotopic composition of minerals and fluids to understand Earth’s evolution
  • Developing new analytical techniques to better understand the chemistry of natural waters
  • Studying the impact of anthropogenic activities on the geochemistry of urban soils
  • Investigating the role of microbial processes in geochemical cycling of elements in soils and sediments
  • Examining the impact of wildfires on soil and water chemistry
  • Characterizing the geochemistry of mineral dust and its impact on climate and biogeochemical cycles
  • Investigating the geochemical factors controlling the release and transport of contaminants from mine tailings
  • Exploring the biogeochemistry of wetlands and their role in carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling.

Electrochemistry Research Topics

Electrochemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Development of high-performance electrocatalysts for efficient electrochemical conversion of CO2 to fuels and chemicals
  • Investigation of electrode-electrolyte interfaces in lithium-ion batteries for enhanced battery performance and durability
  • Design and synthesis of novel electrolytes for high-energy-density and stable lithium-sulfur batteries
  • Development of advanced electrochemical sensors for the detection of trace-levels of analytes in biological and environmental samples
  • Analysis of the electrochemical behavior of new materials and their electrocatalytic properties in fuel cells
  • Study of the kinetics of electrochemical reactions and their effect on the efficiency and selectivity of electrochemical processes
  • Development of novel strategies for the electrochemical synthesis of value-added chemicals from biomass and waste materials
  • Analysis of the electrochemical properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for energy storage and conversion applications
  • Investigation of the electrochemical degradation mechanisms of polymer electrolyte membranes in fuel cells
  • Study of the electrochemical properties of 2D materials and their applications in energy storage and conversion devices
  • Development of efficient electrochemical systems for desalination and water treatment applications
  • Investigation of the electrochemical properties of metal-oxide nanoparticles for energy storage and conversion applications
  • Analysis of the electrochemical behavior of redox-active organic molecules and their application in energy storage and conversion devices
  • Study of the electrochemical behavior of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the catalytic conversion of CO2 to value-added chemicals
  • Development of novel electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors with high energy density and fast charge/discharge rates
  • Investigation of the electrochemical properties of perovskite materials for energy storage and conversion applications
  • Study of the electrochemical behavior of enzymes and their application in bioelectrochemical systems
  • Development of advanced electrochemical techniques for the characterization of interfacial processes in electrochemical systems
  • Analysis of the electrochemical behavior of nanocarbons and their application in electrochemical energy storage devices
  • Investigation of the electrochemical properties of ionic liquids for energy storage and conversion applications.

Surface Chemistry Research Topics

Surface Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Surface modification of nanoparticles for enhanced catalytic activity
  • Investigating the effect of surface roughness on the wetting behavior of materials
  • Development of new materials for solar cell applications through surface chemistry techniques
  • Surface chemistry of graphene and its applications in electronic devices
  • Surface functionalization of biomaterials for biomedical applications
  • Characterization of surface defects and their effect on material properties
  • Surface modification of carbon nanotubes for energy storage applications
  • Developing surface coatings for corrosion protection of metals
  • Synthesis of self-assembled monolayers on surfaces for sensor applications
  • Surface chemistry of metal-organic frameworks for gas storage and separation
  • Investigating the role of surface charge in protein adsorption
  • Developing surfaces with superhydrophobic or superoleophobic properties for self-cleaning applications
  • Surface functionalization of nanoparticles for drug delivery applications
  • Surface chemistry of semiconductors and its effect on photovoltaic properties
  • Development of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates for trace analyte detection
  • Surface functionalization of graphene oxide for water purification applications
  • Investigating the role of surface tension in emulsion formation and stabilization
  • Surface modification of membranes for water desalination and purification
  • Synthesis and characterization of metal nanoparticles for catalytic applications
  • Development of surfaces with controlled wettability for microfluidic applications.

Atmospheric Chemistry Research Topics

Atmospheric Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • The impact of wildfires on atmospheric chemistry
  • The role of aerosols in atmospheric chemistry
  • The chemistry and physics of ozone depletion in the stratosphere
  • The chemistry and dynamics of the upper atmosphere
  • The impact of anthropogenic emissions on atmospheric chemistry
  • The role of clouds in atmospheric chemistry
  • The chemistry of atmospheric particulate matter
  • The impact of nitrogen oxides on atmospheric chemistry and air quality
  • The effects of climate change on atmospheric chemistry
  • The impact of atmospheric chemistry on climate change
  • The chemistry and physics of atmospheric mercury cycling
  • The impact of volcanic eruptions on atmospheric chemistry
  • The chemistry and physics of acid rain formation and effects
  • The role of halogen chemistry in the atmosphere
  • The chemistry of atmospheric radicals and their impact on air quality and health
  • The impact of urbanization on atmospheric chemistry
  • The chemistry and physics of stratospheric polar vortex dynamics
  • The role of natural sources (e.g. ocean, plants) in atmospheric chemistry
  • The impact of atmospheric chemistry on the biosphere
  • The chemistry and dynamics of the ozone hole over Antarctica.

Photochemistry Research Topics

Photochemistry Research Topics are as follows:

  • Investigating the mechanisms of photoinduced electron transfer reactions in organic photovoltaic materials.
  • Developing novel photoredox catalysts for photochemical reactions.
  • Understanding the effects of light on DNA and RNA stability and replication.
  • Studying the photochemistry of atmospheric pollutants and their impact on air quality.
  • Designing new photoresponsive materials for advanced photonic and electronic devices.
  • Exploring the photochemistry of metalloporphyrins for potential applications in catalysis.
  • Investigating the photochemistry of transition metal complexes and their use as photodynamic therapy agents.
  • Developing new photocatalytic systems for sustainable energy production.
  • Studying the photochemistry of natural products and their potential pharmaceutical applications.
  • Investigating the role of light in the formation and degradation of environmental contaminants.
  • Designing new photochromic materials for smart windows and displays.
  • Exploring the photochemistry of carbon nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion.
  • Developing new light-driven molecular machines for nanotechnology applications.
  • Investigating the photochemistry of organic dyes for potential applications in dye-sensitized solar cells.
  • Studying the effects of light on the behavior of biological macromolecules.
  • Designing new photoresponsive hydrogels for drug delivery applications.
  • Exploring the photochemistry of semiconductor nanoparticles for potential applications in quantum computing.
  • Investigating the mechanisms of photochemical reactions in ionic liquids.
  • Developing new photonic sensors for chemical and biological detection.
  • Studying the photochemistry of transition metal complexes for potential applications in water splitting and hydrogen production.

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Do you find identifying suitable chemistry research topics difficult? You are not alone! Many students consider it challenging and time-consuming to choose an interesting chemistry topic for a research paper. In this blog post, we will discuss various research topics in chemistry to help simplify your research process. Continue reading to familiarize yourself with ideas from different fields and academic levels. Apart from defining research topics and discussing how to select one, we have provided examples to help kick-start your research project or assignments. Got a deadline approaching fast? Entrust your chemistry research paper to professional writers. Our academic service proceeds all ‘ write my paper for me ’ inquiries quickly and efficiently. Get your paper written now by an expert!

What Are Chemistry Research Topics?

Chemistry is a field of science that covers the structure, composition, and properties of elements and compounds. As a student taking this subject, you will encounter multiple experiments, chemical reactions, and analytical study methods. This branch of science can be subdivided into multiple areas, including organic, inorganic, biochemistry, physical, analytical, and nuclear science, among others. Chemistry research paper topics are talking points related to the branches of science outlined above. To ensure that all learning objectives are met, instructors may require students to work on various topics in chemistry. You would be expected to source your chemistry research topics ideas from all possible branches. In one instance, your topic could be associated with analytical science, in another - with practical discussions, which is an entirely different thing despite both areas being categorized as chemistry subfields.

Characteristics of Good Chemistry Research Topics

Selecting a good research topic for chemistry plays a vital role in determining the probability of success when writing your paper. It is, therefore, important to know the characteristics of good chemistry topics for a research paper. Although you can derive discussions from many sub-areas, these research topic ideas share many common characteristics. A great research topic should be:

  • Precise, meaningful, clear, and straightforward
  • Analytical and researchable using logical methodologies
  • Of theoretical or practical significance
  • Supported by numerous academic evidence and sources.

How to Choose a Chemistry Research Topic?

Chemistry is a broad subject with multiple research areas. If you are not keen enough, you may easily get lost in its variety and fail to select a congenial title. So, how do you deal with this issue? In a nutshell, the process comes down to two aspects – your passion and competence. Below are step-by-step guidelines that you can follow to determine interesting topics about chemistry:

  • Pick chemistry research topics with your knowledge capabilities in mind. Do not choose a topic that is beyond your academic level.
  • Choose something that is interesting to you. If you are fascinated with the selected topic, you will find responding to the research questions to be much simpler.
  • Select a research title that is convenient to work on due to the sufficient amount and availability of existing evidence and references.
  • Ensure that the chosen chemistry topics for research paper are within the subfield you are majoring in and that it meets your instructor’s requirements.

Once you select the most appropriate title, see how to write a research paper like an expert.

Chemistry Research Paper Topics List

There are many research topics for chemistry to choose from. In this section, we have compiled examples of the best topics from various sub-areas. Below is a list of chemistry research topics for papers:

  • Latest developments in DNA technology.
  • Negative effects of using pesticides in food production.
  • Importance and potential drawbacks of using fertilizer in commercial agriculture.
  • Acids and bases: composition, properties, and applications.
  • Industrial chemicals and environmental pollution.
  • Dangers and side effects of using ibuprofen.
  • Acid-base neutralization process.
  • Air pollution implication on global warming and climate change.
  • Ageing and the brain.
  • Catalytic reaction mechanisms.

The chemistry research topics list above is created by drawing ideas from different sub-areas, thus covering a significant part of scholars’ inquiries.

Interesting Topics in Chemistry

In some instances, one may select a research topic because it is just fascinating. There are interesting chemistry topics that can explain intriguing phenomena in your day-to-day life. Alternatively, you can also opt for something related to essential issues in the current society. Here are sample chemistry interesting topics you can research into:

  • Composition and effects of e-cigarettes.
  • Food dye composition.
  • Measuring electrical conductivity in a salt solution.
  • How to change a penny’s color to gold.
  • The scientific explanation of foam formation.
  • Silicon usage in cosmetic surgery.
  • Evidence and application of surface tension in day-to-day life.
  • Examining pesticide residue in farm products from different grocery stores.
  • How does molecule composition affect the physical appearance of things?
  • Sodium metal reaction on water surfaces.
  • How to separate dissolved sugar from water.
  • How to clean up oil spills at sea.
  • Rust formation on metal surfaces.
  • How to chemically remove rust from stainless steel.
  • The science behind turning boiling water into “snow” in a cold winter.

Easy Chemistry Research Topics

The science studied in high schools is way simpler compared to postgraduate one. You can find easy chemistry topics to research if you focus on certain academic levels and sub-areas. For example, physical chemistry has easy chemistry topics to do research paper on. On the other side, inorganic or analytical sub-areas tend to offer scientific research research topics that are more technical. The list below outlines easy topic examples you can pick from:

  • Determining the percentage composition of oxygen in the air.
  • Patterns in the periodic table.
  • Atomic theory: primary principles and applications.
  • Chemical and physical properties of starch.
  • Determining the pH level of various liquids.
  • Properties of acids and bases.
  • Why is glass the preferred material in laboratories?
  • Balancing chemical equations.
  • Analyzing different chemical bonds.
  • Alkali metals and their properties.
  • General characteristics of metals.
  • Noble gasses: properties and reaction characteristics.
  • Water purification methods.
  • The periodic table: its historical background.
  • Alkaline earth metals: properties and reactivity.

Innovative Research Topics in Chemistry

Innovative chemistry topics for research paper relate to new ideas and ways to go about things. Using these ground-breaking topics related to chemistry, you can discuss new materials or methodologies. If you are interested in innovative research topics, here are some examples you can borrow from:

  • Gene modification in medical chemistry .
  • Improved cancer treatment using bacteria-based biohybrid microrobots.
  • New methods used to detect explosive residues.
  • Studying the molecular makeup of particles in space.
  • Substitute for pesticides in farming.
  • Nanophotonics in aeronautics.
  • Nanomaterials production process and techniques.
  • Clean energy alternatives for fossil fuels.
  • Photocatalysis usage in 3D printing technology.
  • Biodegradable polymers as alternatives for plastics.
  • Silicon dioxide usage in solar cells.
  • Chemical reactions in lithium-ion batteries.
  • Self-healing concrete: basic principles.
  • New materials for lightweight planes and vehicles.
  • Polymer analysis in a restricted environment.

Cool Chemistry Research Topics

Sometimes, our title selection might be guided by how cool and fun the study results will be. If you are looking for cool chemistry topics to research on, you are in the right place. We have compiled some cool chemistry topics for you to choose from.

  • How World War II influenced computational chemistry.
  • How do chemicals in our brains create different moods?
  • Composition and properties of laughing gas.
  • European alchemy: historical background and its impact on modern science.
  • Developing a film at home: chemicals required and process.
  • Why lemon juice stops apples from browning.
  • Different flame colors and their scientific explanation.
  • Using a potato to light a bulb.
  • Principles of chromatography.
  • Utilizing cloud seeding in alleviating drought conditions.
  • Finding iron in a mixture of metals.
  • Gas chromatography: how it works and its applications.
  • Application of vibrational spectroscopy.
  • Surface tension and the dish soap experiment.
  • How to make a homemade water filter.

Have you spotted any ideas but can’t get the research process started? Contact our professional writing service where you can pay for research paper and be sure that you will get outstanding results within your deadline. 

Intriguing Chemistry Topics for Research

There are many chemistry topics to write about. However, not all topics are intriguing (and frankly, most are the other way around). Below are topic examples that can instantly draw readers’ attention:

  • Non-existing chemical compounds.
  • Molecular structure of artificial honey as compared to natural honey.
  • Stem cell studies: ethical implications.
  • Principles of polymerase chain reaction and DNA replication.
  • Organic chemistry applications in our daily living.
  • Chemicals as weapons of mass destruction.
  • How does adding sugar to a soft drink affect its density?
  • Synthetic molecules in the pharmaceutical industry .
  • Aerosol formation and its application in body spray manufacture.
  • Analyzing the gasoline production process.
  • Benzene molecular structure and its use in the cosmetic industry.
  • Why are 96,000,000 black balls dumped into the LA reservoir?
  • Water recycling methods.
  • The discovery of oxygen.
  • Importance of esters in our day-to-day living.

If you closely review the research topics for chemistry paper above, you will find them arousing your curiosity much more than the ones in other sections. These topics will challenge your initial line of thinking or introduce you to the concepts that just stand out.

Unique Chemistry Research Topics

There are some chemistry paper topics that are rarely worked on by students. People ignore these topics because they are either complex or lack adequate conclusive information from previous studies. If you are brave enough and wish to have a unique presentation, you can consider the research topics in chemistry below:

  • Organosilicon compounds and their use.
  • Nucleophiles and electrophiles.
  • Molecular structure of Teflon and its industrial application.
  • Sodium azide usage in automobile airbags.
  • Dangers of COVID-19 tests that use sodium azide as the reaction reagent.
  • Chemical composition of steroids and their effects on human beings.
  • Artificial diamond production process.
  • Insulin production biotechnology.
  • Evolution of lethal injection.
  • Effects of chiral class drugs on human health.
  • Chemical residues in livestock.
  • Artificial organs and their potential implication on transplantation.
  • Role of nanoreactors in nanotechnology and biotechnology.
  • Dangers of phosgene to human health.
  • Production of dry ice.

Popular Chemistry Research Paper Topics

Unlike the unique study subjects discussed in the previous section, popular topics relating to chemistry are widely researched. Students favor these topics due to reasons like their simplicity, availability of adequate evidence, and their relevance to current issues. You can pick a hot topic in chemistry from the list below:

  • Metal oxide usage in electronics.
  • Importance of nitrogen to human survival.
  • How do temperature changes affect chemical reactions?
  • Lewis structure for ionic compounds.
  • Analysis of the hydrophobic effect.
  • Hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuel.
  • Application of thermodynamics law in our lives.
  • pH level calculations and analysis.
  • Gas laws and their application.
  • Why is Earth viewed as a closed thermodynamic system?
  • Redox reactions and their industrial applications.
  • Decomposition process of polymers.
  • The anomalous expansion of water.
  • Impact of fluoride ion on dental health .
  • The use of lithium, magnesium, and calcium compounds in clinical medicine.

>> View more: Medical Research Paper Topics

Controversial Chemistry Topics for Papers

Just like in any other subject, there exist chemistry project topics that are controversial in nature. People are understandably more passionate about some subject matters compared to others. Discussions related to, for instance, chemical usage in battlefields and the health effects of using certain chemicals tend to attract heated debates. Below are some controversial topics in chemistry that you can write about:

  • Biochemicals usage in warfare.
  • Impact of fast-food chemicals on the human brain.
  • Gene modification in human embryos.
  • Bioconjugation techniques and how they are used in drug delivery.
  • Synthetic molecules replication techniques.
  • Use of lethal injection in execution of criminals.
  • Ethical justification for euthanasia.
  • Manufacture of chemical poisons.
  • Fritz Haber’s controversial inventions.
  • Artificial organs and their role in healthcare.
  • Electromagnetic energy conversion to chemical energy.
  • Dangers of using fertilizer in farming.
  • Analyzing the water memory effect.
  • Synthesis of food from non-edible items.
  • Bio-inspired molecular machines and their applications.

Chemistry Research Ideas for Students

Students are often required to work on some chemistry project ideas to successfully complete their course. Depending on the sub-area one specializes in, and the academic level, research matters will vary significantly. For instance, chemistry undergraduate research project ideas are incomparable to highschool research titles. Some subject matters are only suitable for professional research. This section sorts the research ideas into their respective academic levels.

Chemistry Research Topics for High School

Chemistry research project ideas for highschool students are relatively easy compared to higher academic levels. The tasks are not very demanding in terms of the research methodologies used and the time required to complete them. At this level, students are introduced to the basic concepts of the subject. Common chemistry topics for high school are outlined in the list below.

  • Acids and bases in the reduction-oxidation reaction.
  • Importance of studying chemicals and chemical processes in high school.
  • Ionization techniques for the mass spectrometry process.
  • Avogadro’s Law: analysis, formulae, and application.
  • Thermochemistry lab experiments.
  • Laboratory safety rules.
  • The hydrolysis analysis.
  • Acids: structural composition, properties, and use.
  • Noble gasses configuration.
  • States of matter and their characteristics.
  • Optimizing indoor plants life through chemistry.
  • Role of enzymes in chemical and biological reactions.
  • Thermal effects of chemical reactions.
  • The law of multiple proportions in chemical reactions.
  • Constant and changing variables in Boyle’s law .

Chemistry Research Topics for College Students

Chemistry project ideas for college often require students to dive deep into a subject. Rather than explaining the basic concepts, you may be instructed to apply them in addressing problems. A college chemistry project will require you to dedicate more time and conduct more research. Below are some of the title ideas for college students and undergraduates:

  • How much energy is produced from burning nuts and chips?
  • Dangers of using radon in construction and potential solutions.
  • Chemical composition of aspirin and its effect on human physiology.
  • Green chemistry application in the food industry.
  • Phosphorescence versus fluorescence.
  • Dihydroxyacetone phosphate conversion.
  • Big data and biocomputing in chemical studies.
  • Thermoelectric properties of materials.
  • Artificial organic tissue development in laboratories.
  • Nuclear fusion: primary concepts and applications.
  • Power production process in lithium nickel batteries.
  • Medico-biological importance of group 3B and 4B elements.
  • Global cycle of biologically active elements.
  • Importance of chemical knowledge in cancer treatment.
  • Inorganic materials usage in the military.

Chemistry Research Topics in Different Fields

Chemistry can be divided into many sub-areas. Each subfield has interesting chemistry topics to research into. To choose a research topic in chemistry, you need to first determine a sub-area you would wish to specialize in. However, even within these fields, there are still many title options to choose from. To help reduce the confusion and simplify the selection process, we have categorized potential research discussions into their respective sub-areas.

Organic Chemistry Research Topics

Organic chemistry mainly involves studying the structure, composition, properties, and reaction of carbon-based compounds. It is among the most commercially applied subfields, which makes organic chemistry research paper topics very common. I am sure you must have encountered products manufactured using organic chemistry principles within your surroundings. If you wish to learn more about these products, you can explore these latest research topics in organic chemistry:

  • Pain relief medicine: chemical structure and composition.
  • Composition, use, and effects of polymers.
  • Retin-A usage in acne treatment.
  • Organic chemistry usage and application in daily life.
  • Types of organic compounds isomerism.
  • Aromatic hydrocarbons as industrial raw materials.
  • Alcohol hydrophilicity in aqueous solutions.
  • Physical and chemical properties of polyhydric alcohols.
  • Synthetic polymer applications: synthetic fiber, Teflon, and isoprene rubber.
  • Fetal alcohol syndrome: types and symptoms.
  • Structure and properties of phenols.
  • The application of organic chemistry in birth control.
  • Nucleic acid stability.
  • Parameters affecting proton chemical shifts.
  • Structure and properties of lipids.

Inorganic Chemistry Research Topics

This branch deals with the study of structure, composition, and properties of materials that do not contain carbon. Research paper topics for inorganic chemistry focus on metals, minerals, and inorganic compounds. The list below compiles chemistry projects topics and ideas related to inorganic chemistry.

  • How to create new and improve existing alloys.
  • Implication of inorganic chemistry on the environment.
  • Application of inorganic chemistry in the cosmetic industry.
  • Interaction between sulfuric acid and organic materials.
  • Lattice energy and enthalpy for different ionic bonds.
  • Characteristics of different types of nucleosyntheses.
  • Uniqueness of hydrogen bonds and polarity.
  • Hard and soft acids and bases ( HSAB ) theory.
  • Dalton’s Law: principles and applications.
  • Structure of a gemstone and how it impacts its appearance.
  • Relationship between inorganic and biochemistry.
  • Parameters affecting Bronsted-Lowry acidity.
  • Crystal field theory: analysis and disadvantages.
  • Application of angular overlap model.
  • Primary laws of photochemistry.

Analytical Chemistry Research Topics

The determination of the objects’ primary makeup of objects is the main interest of this branch. Various analytical methods, including spectroscopy, chromatography, and electroanalytical techniques, are often discussed in the subfield. As such, many analytical chemistry research paper topics focus on these or other analysis techniques. Below is a list of research topics on analytical chemistry:

  • Analytical techniques used in forensic science.
  • Examining the electroanalytical techniques.
  • Importance of analytical chemistry to the environment.
  • Miniaturization and its use in analyzing pharmaceutical substances.
  • Evaluating the working principles of activation analysis.
  • Gravimetric analysis principles.
  • GMOs usage and their potential hazards to human health.
  • Potentiometric measurement methods.
  • Liquid and gas chromatography.
  • Spectroscopy methods and their use in detecting and quantifying molecular and structural composition of samples.
  • Dispersive X-ray analysis of tissues.
  • Analytical methods for determining the side effects of ibuprofen usage.
  • Benefits of the isomerism framework.
  • Acid-base titration as a quantitative analysis technique.
  • Application of spectroscopy in medicine.

Environment Chemistry Topics for Research

The apparent global warming and climate change threats have led to the development of a new area of study. This sub-area has project topics in chemistry that explore the impact of human activity on the environment and the potential solutions for slowing down and reversing the climate change process. Common environmental chemistry related topics include:

  • Negative effects of deep-sea mining.
  • Ground water contamination: causes, dangers, and potential solutions.
  • Oil spillage and its effect on marine life.
  • Effect of heat engines on the environment.
  • Safe disposal of toxic waste.
  • Global warming: causes and potential remedies.
  • Potential alternatives to fossil fuels.
  • Innovative methods to minimize pesticide usage in agriculture.
  • Cultivated meat as an alternative to livestock farming.
  • How efficient is artificial photosynthesis.
  • The Chernobyl ecological disaster.
  • Analysis of life-cycle assessment (LCA).
  • Environmental benefits of using energy-saving lamps.
  • Environmental pollution by nano toxins.
  • Potential solutions for global warming.

Need more ideas on the environment? Check our list of the best environmental research topics for students. 

Physical Chemistry Research Topics

Physical chemistry is the study of the behavior of matter. Physical chemistry topics for research papers focus on analyzing the physical and chemical properties of atoms and molecules and how they interact with each other. You can use a project topic on chemistry from the list below:

  • Surface tension and its impact on mixtures.
  • Diffusion of liquid and gasses.
  • Reaction of bromine under UV rays.
  • Pressure effect in chemical reactions.
  • Bonding between atoms and molecules.
  • Analyzing Schrodinger’s equation.
  • Hess’s laws: principles and application.
  • Effects of intermolecular forces on the melting point of a material.
  • Entropy law of thermodynamics.
  • Relationship between quantum mechanics and atomic orbitals.
  • Chemical kinetics in pharmacy.
  • Analyzing the physical and chemical indicators of milk.
  • How to determine atoms’ electron configuration.
  • Why isotopes exist.
  • Determining the group based on its successive ionization energies.

Chemical Engineering Research Topics

In this section, we will discuss research topics of chemistry related to the design and application of chemical processes. Here are some of the chemical research project ideas that will impress your instructor:

  • Chemical engineering concepts in the food production industry.
  • Analyzing wastewater treatment techniques.
  • Conversion of rocket fuel to energy.
  • Analyzing different mixture separation techniques.
  • Industrial application of chemical engineering concepts.
  • Non-reactive mass balances and mass balance with reaction.
  • Binary distillation and its application.
  • Gas absorption usage in the chemical industry.
  • Reaction kinetics in a plug flow reactor.
  • Water splitting for hydrogen production.
  • The application of MIMO theory in the control of chemical process operation.
  • Chemical engineering applications in the healthcare sector.
  • Nanofiltration member usages in pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.
  • General overview of microfluidics.
  • Production of high-quality foam.

Nuclear Chemistry Research Topics

A nuclear chemistry research project deals with radioactivity-related processes. You may encounter this branch of science in nuclear energy production, military applications, and even in the hospital. Some of the researchable topics in chemistry of nuclei transformation include:

  • Computation of an element’s half-life.
  • Radioactive elements in real life and how they are being used.
  • Nuclear fusion: the process and its function.
  • Types of radioactive decay.
  • Effects of radiation on biological systems.
  • Safe radioactive waste disposal.
  • Application of nuclear science in the healthcare sector.
  • Analyzing the three types of radiation.
  • How to destroy toxic organic compounds using irradiation.
  • Is there a possibility of cold fusion ever happening?
  • Biological application of radiochemistry.
  • Dangerous consequences of ionizing versus non-ionizing radiation.
  • Optical chemo sensors: principles and applications.
  • Interaction between water and radioactive materials.
  • Radiation accident cases in human history.

There is a vast assortment of research ideas for your study on our platform. Be it biology research topics or nursing research paper topics , we have all of them here.

Bottom Line on Chemistry Research Topics

In sum, chemistry is a broad subject with multiple sub-areas. Depending on your preference, you can choose interesting chemistry research topics for papers from the many subfields. Apart from selecting a good research subject, also remember that is always mandatory to adhere to proper writing procedures! Besides, select chemistry essay topics that will keep you excited till the end of research, as you wouldn’t want to quit in the middle and switch to another topic. If you combine all provided tips together, you will definitely find it easy to select and work on research in chemistry topics.

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Chemistry Research Topics: A List of 150 Winning Ideas

Chemistry Research Topics Ideas

A chemistry science student conducts research works that are associated with their interests and seeks to study different chemical phenomena or reactions within their fields.

A top-notch research topic is an essential foundation of a good research paper. A good research paper carries the potential to boost your academic grades. On the contrary, a poorly written research paper can severely affect your grades. Most chemistry students often end up making the same mistake of choosing the wrong chemistry research topics for their papers. It significantly affects the quality of their academic grades.

Read our blog to dig deeper to get the best research topics for chemistry. We are sure this article will be helpful for you. We have prepared lists of more than 150 exciting chemistry research topics. These topics will help you attain the highest grades and enjoy your research process simultaneously.

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Organic Versus In- Organic Chemistry

Chemistry is an old age of science for which human knowledge has enhanced over the past decades. It was in the 17 th century when scientists discovered that there are in total two branches of chemistry: organic chemistry and in- organic chemistry.

Now, for a better understanding let us explore the differences between these two branches of chemistry.

S.No Organic Chemistry In- Organic Chemistry
1. Organic chemistry includes organic compounds which are made up of hydrocarbons. These composed are made up of living organisms and synthetic chemicals that contain chains of carbon in them. In- organic chemistry deals with in-organic compounds which consist of ionic base into them.
2. Its reactions are based on the functional group present on the compound.  Gives acid based, displacement and redox reaction, etc.
3. It deals with oil, fat, sugar, etc. It deals with salt and crystals
4. It melts and boils easily. Compared to the organic compounds, it melts and boils easily.

Both of these fields include analytical laboratory techniques to analyze the behavior of different compounds within their disciplines.

Before moving forward to the topics selection, we suggest you to have a look at this guide for creating or choosing the ideal chemistry research topic.

Noteworthy Guidance for Selecting a Successful Chemistry Research Topic:

Indeed selecting chemistry research topics is not easy, but it’s not impossible, is it? Well, obviously, no. All you need is some expert help with chemistry research topics. But first, whilst you are in your selection phase, narrow down the chemistry research topics and select the topics that are:

  • Interesting to you : Interesting research topics are your way to a successful research paper. Avoid selecting tedious, dull and difficult topics; choose a chemistry topic for which you have good knowledge and understanding.
  • Analytical:  Before selecting your topic, make sure it’s analytical. Read previous scholarly articles to understand the thought process of renowned scientists. Thinking about analytical chemistry research topics would improve the credibility of your research paper.
  • Researchable : conduct background research for your chemistry topics. It will help you to structure a strong foundation for your research paper. Popular topics are always helpful for making a successful paper. You can get numerous authorized content regarding popular topics. However, to draft a unique research paper, include some new studies and hypotheses on that topic.
  • Supporting references and materials:  Make sure your research topic has enough reliable sources. Before selecting your research topic, see if it consist well- trusted books, article or journals.
  • Following university guidelines:  Before choosing your chemistry research topics, you must analyze whether your topic follows the university writing requirements or not. An impactful research paper includes all the essential norms acknowledged by the scientific community.

List of 150 Enticing Chemistry Research Topics

chemistry research areas

Here we go! In this section, we have created the best chemistry research topics in a nutshell.

Let’s have a look at some of the best chemistry research topics. Select the one that’s best for you and get started with your research work. For a better understanding, we want you to read every topic thoroughly and then decide what works best for you.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Organic Chemistry Research Topics

Organic chemistry is a vast study area that studies carbon-containing molecules. This field contains various organic chemistry research topics to write and study about in this area. To draft an impressive chemistry research topic, invest your time and energy in conducting the prerequisite research first.

Here are just a few of the best organic chemistry science research topics for you to consider:

  • Investigation of the recent advancements in the methods for synthesizing chiral molecules
  • Studying the electronic structure and chemical reactivity of carbon nanotubes
  • Define and explain the oil in a nutshell
  • Chlorination of phenol
  • Exploring the preparations and properties of metal complexes with organometallic ligands
  • Towards rational crafting of benzene derivatives with improved thermal stability
  • Exploring the new ways of molecular reaction dynamics
  • Learning stereochemistry in organic compounds
  • A handbook on learning the isomerism types in organic compounds
  • Nucleophiles: reactions of nucleophiles with ethylenic substrates
  • Conceptive research on nucleophiles
  • Discovery of aniline dyes
  • The ups and downs of nucleic acids stability
  • Process modelling for hydrocarbon fuel conversion
  • Exploring the new C-O electrophiles in cross-coupling reactions
  • New directions toward structure formation and stability
  • Regulations of nitrogen compounds in water
  • A review of the effect of alcohols on micro-organisms
  • Snow pollution management in urban areas
  • Exploring the effects of cell-surface sugars on health, illness, and aging

Inorganic Chemistry Research Topics

Inorganic chemistry deals with in-organic compounds which consist of ionic bases into them. Excluding carbon, all the other elements mentioned in the periodic table are included in inorganic chemistry. It includes inorganic compounds such as minerals, metals, etc. But let us not dive into the details and leave that part to your research paper.

Here are some interesting inorganic chemistry research topics for you:

  • A detailed study on how metals react with each other
  • Needs trends and new alloys of inorganic chemicals
  • Inorganic chemistry and its relationship with the pharmaceutical industry
  • Effects of different chemicals and their reactions on the human body
  • Past, present, and future of inorganic chemicals
  • A conceptive study on inorganic chemistry and its role in the environment
  • The future of inorganic chemistry and sustainable development
  • The method of creating new alloys and how to improve the existing ones
  • Inorganic chemistry and its relationship with the food industry
  • The relationship between inorganic chemistry and the cosmetic industry
  • Principals of inorganic chemistry: theory, practice, and applications
  • Modifications of NaCI structure: why is it salty?
  • A detailed study on the formation of sapphires
  • The law of multiple proportions
  • Different states of matter: on Earth and in the Cosmos
  • Hydrodynamics of soft active matter handbook on the effects of sulfuric acid on organic materials
  • A comparative study of the difference between organic and inorganic compounds
  • Importance of inorganic chemistry
  • Explanation of Lewis structures and Electron Dot models

Advanced Physical Topics in Chemistry

These topics are widely focused on advanced physical topics in chemistry. If you are still confused about your chemistry-related research topics, we hope these topic ideas might interest you:

  • A concise study on the relationship between chemical reactions and heat
  • Introduction and progress in the fields of spectroscopy
  • Introduction to quantum chemistry in the age of quantum computing
  • Ideas and variations of methods in quantum chemistry
  • Recent advancements in mechanistic organic photochemistry
  • Definition and standardization of pH measures
  • A handbook on the structure of atoms on a quantum scale
  • The chemical bonding across atoms and molecules
  • The relationship between temperature and chemical reactions
  • Introductions and principles of chemical kinetics
  • Recent advancements in the role of light in in-body chemical reactions
  • The influence of surface tension and its effects on mixtures
  • An overview of interfacing of advanced computing in the electron microscope
  • Advanced technology paths towards a science of global climate stability
  • Catalytic reaction: structure sensitivity and nanoplasmonic probes
  • A detailed study on the nanoelectrodes and Sensors

Easy Research Topics in Chemistry

These are a few chemistry research topics that are important and easy simultaneously. So here are some essential chemistry topics which may interest you:

  • Introduction to modern liquid chromatography
  • Rational molecular design for achieving persistence and reducing toxicity
  • Properties of mesoscopic structure at ultrafast time scales
  • Climate chemistry: role of chemistry for preserving climate issues
  • The chemistry of allergy
  • Host-Guest Interactions of Fullerene Fragments
  • Lewis structure study

General Chemistry Topics for Research

If you are looking for general chemistry research topics, this section is specifically made for you. Have a look at this section before selecting your chemistry topics. This section comprises various general chemistry topics that are important simultaneously.

  • Batteries for vehicular applications: building better batteries
  • Conductive polymers as the new established thermoelectric material
  • Pesticides use in vegetable production: a survey of American farmers
  • The harmful impacts of pesticides on human health
  • Explain the fast dynamics of water droplets upon freezing
  • What is the reason behind the breakage of freezing rocks
  • Formation of cholesterol crystallites
  • A meta-analysis of the controversy of steroids
  • A meta-analysis on the biological synthesis of cholesterol
  • Fritz Haber: as a damned scientist  

Analytical Chemistry Topics for Research

Analytical chemistry studies and identifies matter’s composition, status, determination, and structure. Scientists use analytical chemistry to determine the matter and how much it is helpful in something. So, if you are keen to research analytical chemistry topics, here are some of the great ideas to move forward with your research:

  • Introduction to liquid chromatography
  • Environmental analytical chemistry
  • Identifying chemical reaction hazards in the laboratory
  • Introduction to chromatography
  • Understanding molecular dynamics and targeted thermostat schemes
  • An overview of chiral class drug analysis in forensic laboratories
  • Optical enantiomers flaw: symmetry and molecular chirality
  • Learning chemical equilibrium with the jigsaw technique
  • Application of electrochemical biosensor for toxic detections
  • Revisiting qualitative analysis of chemistry
  • An overview and an update on the clinical pharmacology of ibuprofen
  • Evaluation of Isomerism framework advantages
  • Principals and classifications of chromatography
  • Exploring multiple time-scale molecular dynamics
  • Effects of chemical equilibrium
  • The adulteration of drugs
  • Rethinking amide bond’s effects in polypeptide field

Innovative Research Topics for Chemistry

Innovative chemistry refers to linking your creative ideas with your chemistry research topics. So, if you were thinking of making a groundbreaking chemistry research paper, here are some chemistry topics to write about:

  • Side-chain conformational effects in protein folding
  • An overview of thiophene compounds
  • Sonochemical synthesis of nanomaterials for green chemistry
  • Enzymes and their significance in chemical reactions
  • The tragedy with fritz
  • The functions of enzymes in maintaining soil health
  • Fabrication and application of photocatalysis in 3Dprinting
  • Farming with fewer pesticides: health and environmental cost of pesticides
  • Cellular transportation of drugs
  • The introduction and science of flavonoids
  • Black drug intermediates
  • Scatter research for chemical and bio-process optimization
  • Development of responsive sensors of upconversion nanomaterials
  • The philosophy of quantum mechanics: a modern development
  • Identifying the significance of astrochemical research on extraterrestrial molecules
  • A deep analysis of cellular transport systems in facility logistics
  • Evolving medicinal chemistry: fusion of traditional and modern chemistry
  • The significance of Meta- organic frameworks
  • Monitoring chemical reactions of pressurized organic components
  • Deep research on active pharmaceutical ingredients

Controversial Chemistry Topics for Research

Controversial topic includes all those exciting buzzing topics, which make people curious to know more. If you still haven’t found your topic, have a look at these below given controversial chemistry research topics to get started with your research:

  • Chemicals in war: the history of chemicals and biological warfare agents
  • Interaction between hydrogen and dipole and their functions in protein
  • Current concepts of bioengineering
  • Association of food chemicals with the human brain
  • Production of food flavouring agent
  • Modulations of hydrophobic effects
  • Hydrophobic interactions
  • State’s role in regulating chemicals
  • Cigarettes and cigarette smoking: Evolution of chemicals in cigarettes
  • The chemical effects and trouble associated with cannabidiol oil
  • Bad chemical reactions: the rise and rise of antidepressants
  • DNA and decentralization of electrons
  • A handbook on
  • chemistry and the origin of life
  • Chemical warfare ethics
  • A structure-based platform for predicting chemical reaction
  • Synthetic self-replicating molecules
  • The growing danger of bioconjugation chemistry
  • Fritz Haber’s experiments in life and death
  • Principals and practices of green chemistry

Read Also – Interesting Biology Research Topics

Biochemical Engineering Topics in Chemistry

Biochemical engineering is an important pillar industry of this century. It is the interdisciplinary combining biotechnology and chemical engineering. So, if you are interested in this field but wondering which topic to choose. We are here to provide our help with  research papers . Here are a few exciting chemistry research topics:

  • Thermodynamics in biochemical engineering
  • Transmembrane transporters
  • An ontology of advanced engineering
  • Understanding the mathematical modelling of metabolism
  • The harmful effects of food industry chemicals
  • The future of biochemical engineering
  • Perceptions and developments of epigenetic
  • Autophagy: process and functions
  • An introduction to the mechanisms of apoptosis
  • Mechanisms of tetracycline drugs

Biochemistry Research Topics

While this term might sound obscure, it includes critical fields such as environmental protection, rehabilitation, genetics, use of opioids, etc. If you are keen to analyze more about these subjects, we have selected the ten most essential biochemistry topics. Before selecting the topic, we suggest you read each topic thoroughly and conduct primary research on the selected ones:

  • Significance of biochemistry for cancer treatment
  • The extraordinary mitochondrion citric acid cycle
  • The role of biochemistry in building the immune system
  • Epigenetic: the science of probiotic research
  • Unravelling the cell metabolism process
  • Behavioural study of biochemistry
  • Significance of
  • biochemistry in heart diseases
  • The visible history of the visible sheep: the legacy of dolly the sheep
  • Industrial applications and utilization of amino acid
  • New therapies for treating hemophilia

Final Thoughts

At last, we hope this article has provided help with selecting chemistry science research topics. We agree that choosing science research topics is difficult, especially when you are supposed to write a paper on chemistry topics. The research topic for chemistry consists of various pertinent sub fields under this domain, but you must focus on that one topic that highlights your skills and knowledge in the best way.

The above-given topics will help you to take a step toward a successful academic career. Interesting chemical research topics can create a strong foothold of your entire work in your research proposal . Highlight the importance of the topic in your research proposal. Elaborate how your research work can create a massive difference in your field, etc.

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232 Chemistry Research Topics To Make Your Neurochemicals Dance

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Speaking from experience, science can be fun. The only thing that matters is that you should always choose the theme/field that fascinates you the most. Chemistry, if done right, can give you more dopamine rush than riding a racing bike. The trick is to choose a chemistry research paper topic that moves your quarks when you’re writing about it. 

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Chemistry Research Topics: Biochemistry, Chemical, Organic, and more

Our chemistry research writers are not regular researchers but people who actually study and love chemistry. They have spent a lot of time unearthing some of the cool topics that could pump any chemistry geeks with an adrenaline rush. They have years of experience offering chemistry research paper writing services, so you can trust their work.  (Many people around the world already do and you can find that in testimonials on our  PhD Research Paper Writing Services  page.)

Physical chemistry research topics

physical chemistry research topics

  • Laws of Thermodynamics
  • Energy Balance
  • Gases: Gas Law
  • harles and Gay Lussac’s law
  • General Ideal Gas Law
  • The mass of a chemical compound
  • The moles of an atomic species
  • The flow of Fluids in Closed Ducts
  • Impact of gravity on the fluids
  • Strength effect of elasticity of fluid actions
  • Surface tension in fluids
  • Statistical Analysis Of Thermodynamic Properties
  • Determination of the ideal gas constant
  • pH determination
  • Distillation of an azeotropic mixture
  • Cubic equations of state
  • Redox titrations
  • Ideal solutions (liquids)
  • Laboratory on the States of Matter
  • Laboratory on the construction of an atom
  • Research on molecular geometry
  • Research on the density of bodies
  • Kinetic studies of pyrolysis, combustion and gasification of various materials (organic and inorganic)
  • Physicochemical Processes of Interaction of Metals with Biomaterials
  • Photochemistry of Compounds of Environmental Interest
  • Study of the kinetic, thermodynamic and catalytic activity of compounds
  • Organic and inorganic academic and environmental interest
  • Determination of heat of combustion of acetamidophenols
  • Experimental determination of thermochemical properties of chemical compounds
  • Experimental evaluation of thermal properties of dangerous organic liquids
  • Synthesis and characterization of hydrogels based on acrylic acid
  • Incorporation of salts and other chemical substances in acrylic acid/acrylamide hydrogels
  • Physical chemistry of polymers and macromolecules
  • Pharmaceutical physical chemistry
  • Physical chemistry and material sciences
  • Biomimetic chemistry
  • Petrochemical and related sciences
  • Physical chemistry of semiconductors
  • Physical chemistry of extractive processes
  • Physical chemistry of surfaces

We bet these chemistry essay topics have blown you away. Don’t worry we have more useful topics coming your way.

Read More:  Accounting Research Topics

Electrochemistry research topics

Below are some of the best topics for research paper about chemistry and its affiliate subjects. Check them out:

electrochemistry research topics

  • Calibration of carbon paste electrodes modified with iron particles
  • Effect of ionic strength on electrochemical detection
  • Oxygenated groups present in graphite powder
  • Electrochemical analysis
  • Potentiometric titrations of functional groups
  • Physical and chemical characterization of the modified and unmodified material 
  • Electrochemical recovery of toxic metals
  • Carbon paste electrodes
  • Biological and bioelectrochemical reactors with an optimization approach based on computational methods
  • Electrogeneration of oxidizing species
  • Electroremediation of contaminated water and water soils
  • Electrochemistry: Importance in Robotics and Nanotechnology
  • Electrochemistry in Ecology and Environmental Processes
  • How electrochemistry plays an important role in energy generation
  • Photovoltaic cells and hybrid energy systems
  • Nanostructured materials for fuel cells
  • Solar Systems and Electrochemistry
  • Biomolecular interactions and electroanalysis
  • Chemical and electrochemical methods in disease diagnosis
  • Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Hexacyanoferrate-Doped Polypyrrole
  • Energy Storage in Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Materials
  • Conducting Organic Polymers with Electroactive Dopants
  • Electrochemistry for bioprocess engineering applications
  • Electrochemical enhancement of microbial product formation
  • Electron transfer of electrode-bound enzymes
  • Transport mechanism and interfacial reactions within the oxide layer
  • Oxide layer modelling
  • Preparative electrochemistry or electrosynthesis
  • Electrochemical methods in analytical chemistry
  • Electrochemical synthesis methods
  • Fuel cell technology in Technical Chemistry 
  • Electrochemical reactions
  • Phase boundary electrode-electrolyte
  • Phase boundary between an electronic conductor (electrode) and an ionic conductor (electrolyte)
  • Applications of electrochemistry
  • Reduction of metal salts for the production of base metals, mainly by electrolysis
  • Use of electrolytic metal deposition in electroplating
  • Provision of an electrical voltage, especially for mobile applications
  • History of Electrochemistry

We know your chemistry research projects are incomplete without these eyecatching topics. Read them and wisely write on these subject to amaze your professor.

Read More:  Business Research Topics

Organic Chemistry research topics

organic chemistry research topics

  • A novel process for the production of sophisticated molecules
  • Addition of amino sugars to acetylenic compounds
  • Environmental remediation and as a reaction containment medium
  • Intermolecular interactions for the molecular recognition of peptides and proteins
  • Synthesis of glycosylamines from disaccharides and lipooligosaccharides
  • Catalysis with metal and organocatalysts, photocatalysis, natural product synthesis, unnatural amino acids and peptide foldamers
  • Development and modification of gels based on polymers for use in drug delivery
  • Reusable catalyst makes oxidation of CH bonds with oxygen easier and more efficient
  • Structural analysis of nodulation factors produced by bacteria of the genus Rhizobium
  • Imidazopyridines as new materials
  • Effects of Ultra-Violet Light on Activation of Oxygen
  • Synthesis of large unsymmetrical imines by a palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction
  • Improved pharmaceuticals thanks to fluorine
  • Application of the hydroxy-ketone reductive grouping in obtaining trans-fused polyethers
  • Role of Biochemistry in the creation of Antibiotics
  • Application of the olefin metathesis (RCM) reaction in the synthesis of Orthocondensated polyoxepanes
  • Sugars in green olives
  • Synthetic applications of d-glucose derivatives
  • Synthesis, structure, coordination and applications in asymmetric catalysis
  • Natural product synthesis and convergent technologies
  • Activation of growth factors for fibroblasts by glycosaminoglycans effect
  • Thiols, preparation and handling
  • Biotransformations of industrial interest catalyzed by fungal peroxygenases
  • Carbohydrate multivalent systems functionalize proteins and surfaces
  • Fused n-heterocyclic carbenes in biaryl systems
  • Hair structure
  • Biochemistry for bioremediation
  • Chemical and structural characterization of lignin and lipids of lignocellulosic materials of industrial interest
  • Physicochemical characterization of citronella, soapstone, and eucalyptus essential oil
  • Electrophilic Substitution Reactions: Synthesis of Nitrobenzene
  • Essential oils: uses and properties
  • Activation of growth factors for fibroblasts by glycosaminoglycans

Read More:  Finance Research Topics

Inorganic Chemistry research topics

inorganic chemistry research topics

  • Soil and water contamination by inorganic compounds
  • Synthesis and characterization of Coordination Compounds and their use as homogeneous catalysts
  • Free Radicals and Antioxidants
  • Analytical Chemistry associated with the study of inorganic compounds
  • Quantum molecular modeling and mechanics
  • Inorganic Materials
  • Hydrogen reactivity with inorganic compounds
  • Bond theory analysis
  • Chemistry of some transition elements
  • Boric Acid Preparation
  • Types of inorganic chemical reactions
  • Introduction to inorganic chemistry
  • Study of the atomic spectrum
  • Crystal defects in inorganic chemistry
  • Explosives and violent reactions in inorganic compounds
  • Objective characterization of wines through aroma components
  • Microstructural characterization of nanoparticles and magnetic “nano-composites” of iron
  • Chemical, morphological, mineralogical, and genesis characters of the salt mines
  • Physical and chemical characteristics of the soils occupied by olive groves
  • Theoretical analysis and development of instrumentation to apply the new technique of thermal analysis at a constant rate of reaction
  • Alteration of rocks and soil formation in Utah
  • The catalytic activity of 4f metal oxides in the decomposition of various carboxylic acids and alcohols
  • Activation of ethylene and carbon dioxide by molybdenum complexes
  • Platinum promoting action on nickel catalysts supported on activated Bentonite
  • Homogeneous catalysis (with an organometallic, transition metal, lanthanide and representative compounds)
  • Methods of synthesis of organometallic compounds assisted by microwaves.
  • Design of molecular precursors with relevance in materials chemistry.
  • Chemistry of inorganic heterocycles.
  • Immobilization of organometallic and coordination compounds in polypropylene membranes.

Read More: High School Research Topics

Biochemistry research topics

biochemistry research topics

  • Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
  • Cell differentiation and metabolism
  • Biochemistry of Individual Molecules
  • Enterobacteriaceae envelopes: modulation of their structure in response to environmental cues and impact on pathogenicity
  • Neuroplasticidad y Neurogenética
  • Environmental biotechnology applied to water decontamination.
  • Reproductive Aging
  • Neurobiochemistry
  • Regulatory proteins of iron metabolism
  • Iron deficiency anaemia and cardiovascular disease
  • Iron deficiency anaemia and oxidative stress
  • Nutritional anaemias independent workers
  • Food incompatibilities for iron absorption
  • Evaluation of anaemia and iron deficiency in schoolchildren
  • Iron deficiency anaemia and evaluation of school performance
  • Iron deficiency anaemia in students of Educational Centers
  • Copper Levels and Oxidative Stress in the Elderly
  • Iron Levels and Oxidative Stress in the Elderly
  • Evaluation of transcription factors (surgical samples)
  • Biochemical markers in oxidative stress
  • Antioxidant activity in irradiated food products
  • Kinetics of the reactivity of antioxidants in food
  • Evaluation of oxidative stress in various pathological states
  • Iron levels in the Elderly
  • Copper Levels in the Elderly
  • Evaluation of the synergistic effect in a mixture of antioxidant compounds
  • Antioxidant activity in medicinal plants
  • Food patterns and evaluation of antioxidant capacity in food
  • Markers in Diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease
  • Biochemical markers in Diabetes mellitus
  • Chemotherapy with redesigned Methotrexate
  • The Biosynthesis of triglycerides or triacylglycerides
  • Consequences of suffering from coronary disease
  • What medications should be administered in patients with osteoporosis?
  • Appearances of physiological alterations in older adults
  • The impact of the administration of clindamycin, amikacin, and ceftazidime in hospitalized patients
  • Pharmaceutical advice to reduce stress
  • Dyslipidemia in Diabetes mellitus
  • Diabetes mellitus and transcription factors (Cell culture)
  • Factors that lead to cholesterol excretion
  • Nutritional evaluation of pregnant diabetic mothers
  • How do blood alcohol levels influence drivers involved in traffic accidents?
  • Pleiotropic effects of oral hypoglycemic drugs
  • Importance of eating foods rich in carotenoids
  • The biochemical and toxicological impact of lead with environmental contact
  • The importance of emotions in the intervention of our digestive system
  • Lifestyles and Diabetes mellitus
  • Adiposity in Diabetes mellitus
  • Diabetological education of the patient with Diabetes mellitus
  • The impact of drug administration

Read More:  Nursing Research Topics

Nano / Nuclear Chemistry research topics

nano nuclear chemistry research topics

  • Modeling of metallic nanostructures
  • Modeling of nanostructures supported on oxides
  • Development of advanced nanomaterials with specific
  • Nanomaterials in the fight against cancer and spinal cord injuries in laboratory rats for neuronal reconnection
  • Study of the effects of radiation on the structure and properties of nanomaterials
  • Development of nanostructured substrates for Raman spectroscopy applications
  • Implants in neural tissues of the spinal cord to promote lost communication between the brain and the rest of the body
  • Design and preparation of theragnostic radiopharmaceuticals
  • Research and development of radiopharmaceuticals based on nanosystems for use in molecular nuclear medicine
  • Hydrogen storage, the capture of toxic gases, improvement of solar cells
  • Geometric optimization of nanostructures using classical methods
  • Calculation of energies and molecular properties
  • Synthesis of supercapacitors with carbon nanotubes
  • Simulation of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images of nanostructures
  • Development of bactericidal dressings based on metallic nanoparticles
  • Modernization of the ININ X-Ray Diffraction Laboratory
  • Thin coatings of transparent materials with high hardness

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Green Chemistry research topics

green chemistry research topics

  • Green chemistry and environmental sustainability
  • Strategies to make organocatalysis “greener”
  • The Chemical Knowledge and Environmental Question
  • Approach to school green chemistry, through green protocols
  • Sustainable Chemistry: Nature, purposes, and scope
  • Postgraduate studies in sustainable chemistry
  • Didactic knowledge of the content on green chemistry
  • Photochemical synthesis by sunlight
  • Green Chemistry: A Present and Future Theme for Chemistry Education
  • The environmental dimension of experimentation in the teaching of chemistry
  • Role of Chemistry and its teaching in the construction of a sustainable future
  • A foundation for the incorporation of green chemistry in organic chemistry curricula
  • Contribution of green chemistry to the construction of a socially responsible science
  • Aspects of the pedagogical knowledge of the content of green chemistry in university professors of chemistry
  • Asymmetric organocatalyzed reactions in the absence of a solvent
  • Green Chemistry for Postgraduates

Read More:  Social Work Research Topics

Archaeological Chemistry research topics

archaeological chemistry research topics

  • Archaeochemistry of the United States
  • Archaeochemistry of Egyptian Pyramids
  • Archaeochemistry of Mohanjodaro
  • Archaeochemistry of Cambodia
  • Archaeological dating, characterization, prospecting, and conservation
  • The role of bio-deteriorated ceramics in the formation processes of archaeological sites
  • Study of biodeterioration in archaeological ceramics from Mayan Ruins
  • Deterioration of ceramic fragments due to the action of lichens
  • Applicability of preventive conservation to archaeological ceramics impacted by biodeterioration

Our highly skilled professionals have provided you with superb research topics in chemistry. You can choose anyone matching your speciality and start working on making your paper a piece of art.

Conclusion:

Never believe anyone who says you can’t go for a chemistry degree or PhD. Just listen to your heart and it will all make sense. Chemistry is one of the coolest subjects. If you do it right, with a chemistry research topic that inspires you, then no one can stop you from having your chemical breakthrough. Believe in yourself and the world will see your success like a mushroom cloud. 

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Undergraduate Research in Chemistry Guide

Research is the pursuit of new knowledge through the process of discovery. Scientific research involves diligent inquiry and systematic observation of phenomena. Most scientific research projects involve experimentation, often requiring testing the effect of changing conditions on the results. The conditions under which specific observations are made must be carefully controlled, and records must be meticulously maintained. This ensures that observations and results can be are reproduced. Scientific research can be basic (fundamental) or applied. What is the difference? The National Science Foundation uses the following definitions in its resource surveys:

  • Basic research The objective of basic research is to gain more comprehensive knowledge or understanding of the subject under study, without specific applications in mind. In industry, basic research is defined as research that advances scientific knowledge but does not have specific immediate commercial objectives, although it may be in fields of present or potential commercial interest.
  • Applied research Applied research is aimed at gaining knowledge or understanding to determine the means by which a specific, recognized need may be met. In industry, applied research includes investigations oriented to discovering new scientific knowledge that has specific commercial objectives with respect to products, processes, or services.

Planning for Graduate Work

Planning for Graduate School

Get on the path to graduate school with our comprehensive guide to selecting an institution and preparing for graduate studies.

What is research at the undergraduate level?

At the undergraduate level, research is self-directed work under the guidance and supervision of a mentor/advisor ― usually a university professor. A gradual transition towards independence is encouraged as a student gains confidence and is able to work with minor supervision. Students normally participate in an ongoing research project and investigate phenomena of interest to them and their advisor. In the chemical sciences, the range of research areas is quite broad. A few groups maintain their research area within a single classical field of analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, chemical education or theoretical chemistry. More commonly, research groups today are interdisciplinary, crossing boundaries across fields and across other disciplines, such as physics, biology, materials science, engineering and medicine.

What are the benefits of being involved in undergraduate research?

There are many benefits to undergraduate research, but the most important are:

  • Learning, learning, learning. Most chemists learn by working in a laboratory setting. Information learned in the classroom is more clearly understood and it is more easily remembered once it has been put into practice. This knowledge expands through experience and further reading. From the learning standpoint, research is an extremely productive cycle.
  • Experiencing chemistry in a real world setting. The equipment, instrumentation and materials used in research labs are generally more sophisticated, advanced, and of far better quality than those used in lab courses
  • Getting the excitement of discovery. If science is truly your vocation, regardless of any negative results, the moment of discovery will be truly exhilarating. Your results are exclusive. No one has ever seen them before.
  • Preparing for graduate school. A graduate degree in a chemistry-related science is mostly a research degree. Undergraduate research will not only give you an excellent foundation, but working alongside graduate students and post-doctorates will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn what it will be like.

Is undergraduate research required for graduation?

Many chemistry programs now require undergraduate research for graduation. There are plenty of opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in research, either during the academic year, summer, or both. If your home institution is not research intensive, you may find opportunities at other institutions, government labs, and industries.

What will I learn by participating in an undergraduate research program?

Conducting a research project involves a series of steps that start at the inquiry level and end in a report. In the process, you learn to:

  • Conduct scientific literature searches
  • Read, interpret and extract information from journal articles relevant to the project
  • Design experimental procedures to obtain data and/or products of interest
  • Operate instruments and implement laboratory techniques not usually available in laboratories associated with course work
  • Interpret results, reach conclusions, and generate new ideas based on results
  • Interact professionally (and socially) with students and professors within the research group, department and school as well as others from different schools, countries, cultures and backgrounds
  • Communicate results orally and in writing to other peers, mentors, faculty advisors, and members of the scientific community at large via the following informal group meeting presentations, reports to mentor/advisor, poster presentations at college-wide, regional, national or international meetings; formal oral presentations at scientific meetings; or journal articles prepared for publication

When should I get involved in undergraduate research?

Chemistry is an experimental science. We recommended that you get involved in research as early in your college life as possible. Ample undergraduate research experience gives you an edge in the eyes of potential employers and graduate programs.

While most mentors prefer to accept students in their research labs once they have developed some basic lab skills through general and organic lab courses, some institutions have programs that involve students in research projects the summer prior to their freshman year. Others even involve senior high school students in summer research programs. Ask your academic/departmental advisor about the options available to you.

How much time should I allocate to research?

The quick answer is as much as possible without jeopardizing your course work. The rule of thumb is to spend 3 to 4 hours working in the lab for every credit hour in which you enroll. However, depending on the project, some progress can be achieved in just 3-4 hours of research/week. Most advisors would recommend 8-10 hours/week.

Depending on your project, a few of those hours may be of intense work and the rest may be spent simply monitoring the progress of a reaction or an instrumental analysis. Many research groups work on weekends. Saturdays are excellent days for long, uninterrupted periods of lab work.

How do I select an advisor?

This is probably the most important step in getting involved in undergraduate research. The best approach is multifaceted. Get informed about research areas and projects available in your department, which are usually posted on your departmental website under each professor’s name.

Talk to other students who are already involved in research. If your school has an ACS Student Chapter , make a point to talk to the chapter’s members. Ask your current chemistry professor and lab instructor for advice. They can usually guide you in the right direction. If a particular research area catches your interest, make an appointment with the corresponding professor.

Let the professor know that you are considering getting involved in research, you have read a bit about her/his research program, and that you would like to find out more. Professors understand that students are not experts in the field, and they will explain their research at a level that you will be able to follow. Here are some recommended questions to ask when you meet with this advisor:

  • Is there a project(s) within her/his research program suitable for an undergraduate student?
  • Does she/he have a position/space in the lab for you?
  • If you were to work in her/his lab, would you be supervised directly by her/him or by a graduate student? If it is a graduate student, make a point of meeting with the student and other members of the research group. Determine if their schedule matches yours. A night owl may not be able to work effectively with a morning person.
  • Does she/he have funding to support the project? Unfunded projects may indicate that there may not be enough resources in the lab to carry out the project to completion. It may also be an indication that funding agencies/peers do not consider this work sufficiently important enough for funding support. Of course there are exceptions. For example, a newly hired assistant professor may not have external funding yet, but he/she may have received “start-up funds” from the university and certainly has the vote of confidence of the rest of the faculty. Otherwise he/she would not have been hired. Another classical exception is computational chemistry research, for which mostly fast computers are necessary and therefore external funding is needed to support research assistants and computer equipment only. No chemicals, glassware, or instrumentation will be found in a computational chemistry lab.
  • How many of his/her articles got published in the last two or three years? When prior work has been published, it is a good indicator that the research is considered worthwhile by the scientific community that reviews articles for publication. Ask for printed references. Number of publications in reputable refereed journals (for example ACS journals) is an excellent indicator of the reputation of the researcher and the quality of his/her work.

Here is one last piece of advice: If the project really excites you and you get satisfactory answers to all your questions, make sure that you and the advisor will get along and that you will enjoy working with him/her and other members of the research group.

Remember that this advisor may be writing recommendation letters on your behalf to future employers, graduate schools, etc., so you want to leave a good impression. To do this, you should understand that the research must move forward and that if you become part of a research team, you should do your best to achieve this goal. At the same time, your advisor should understand your obligations to your course work and provide you with a degree of flexibility.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to do your best on both course work and research. Make sure that the advisor is committed to supervising you as much as you are committed to doing the required work and putting in the necessary/agreed upon hours.

What are some potential challenges?

  • Time management . Each project is unique, and it will be up to you and your supervisor to decide when to be in the lab and how to best utilize the time available to move the project forward.
  • Different approaches and styles . Not everyone is as clean and respectful of the equipment of others as you are. Not everyone is as punctual as you are. Not everyone follows safety procedures as diligently as you do. Some groups have established protocols for keeping the lab and equipment clean, for borrowing equipment from other members, for handling common equipment, for research meetings, for specific safety procedures, etc. Part of learning to work in a team is to avoid unnecessary conflict while establishing your ground to doing your work efficiently.
  • “The project does not work.” This is a statement that advisors commonly hear from students. Although projects are generally very well conceived, and it is people that make projects work, the nature of research is such that it requires patience, perseverance, critical thinking, and on many occasions, a change in direction. Thoroughness, attention to detail, and comprehensive notes are crucial when reporting the progress of a project.

Be informed, attentive, analytical, and objective. Read all the background information. Read user manuals for instruments and equipment. In many instances the reason for failure may be related to dirty equipment, contaminated reagents, improperly set instruments, poorly chosen conditions, lack of thoroughness, and/or lack of resourcefulness. Repeating a procedure while changing one parameter may work sometimes, while repeating the procedure multiple times without systematic changes and observations probably will not.

When reporting failures or problems, make sure that you have all details at hand. Be thorough in you assessment. Then ask questions. Advisors usually have sufficient experience to detect errors in procedures and are able to lead you in the right direction when the student is able to provide all the necessary details. They also have enough experience to know when to change directions. Many times one result may be unexpected, but it may be interesting enough to lead the investigation into a totally different avenue. Communicate with your advisor/mentor often.

Are there places other than my institution where I can conduct research?

Absolutely! Your school may be close to other universities, government labs and/or industries that offer part-time research opportunities during the academic year. There may also be summer opportunities in these institutions as well as in REU sites (see next question).

Contact your chemistry department advisor first. He/she may have some information readily available for you. You can also contact nearby universities, local industries and government labs directly or through the career center at your school. You can also find listings through ACS resources:

  • Research Opportunities (US only)
  • International Research Opportunities
  • Internships and Summer Jobs

What are Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) sites? When should I apply for a position in one of them?

REU is a program established by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support active research participation by undergraduate students at host institutions in the United States or abroad. An REU site may offer projects within a single department/discipline or it may have projects that are inter-departmental and interdisciplinary. There are currently over 70 domestic and approximately 5 international REU sites with a chemistry theme. Sites consist of 10-12 students each, although there are larger sites that supplement NSF funding with other sources. Students receive stipends and, in most cases, assistance with housing and travel.

Most REU sites invite rising juniors and rising seniors to participate in research during the summer. Experience in research is not required to apply, except for international sites where at least one semester or summer of prior research experience is recommended. Applications usually open around November or December for participation during the following summer. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. Some REU sites with supplementary funds from other sources may accept international students that are enrolled at US institutions.

  • Get more information about REU sites

How do I prepare a scientific research poster?

Here are some links to sites with very useful information and samples.

  • How to Prepare a Proper Scientific Paper or Poster
  • Creating Effective Poster Presentations
  • Designing Effective Poster Presentations

Research and Internship Opportunities

  • Internships and Fellowships Find internships, fellowships, and cooperative education opportunities.
  • SCI Scholars Internship Program Industrial internships for chemistry and chemical engineering undergraduates.
  • ACS International Center Fellowships, scholarships, and research opportunities around the globe

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Royal Society of Chemistry

A guide to research question writing for undergraduate chemistry education research students

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Welcome to chemistry education research

There is no doubt that there are particular challenges associated with chemistry students taking up a project that brings together familiar aspects of chemistry with aspects of social sciences that are likely unfamiliar. There is a new world of terminology and literature and approaches that may initially seem insurmountable. However, as chemistry students, you bring something unique to the discussion on education: your expertise in chemistry and your experience of being a chemistry student. The combination of discipline speciality and focus on education has given rise to a new genre of education research, known as discipline based education research, or DBER ( NRC, 2012 ). The focus on chemistry, known as chemistry education research , intends to offer insights into issues affecting teaching and learning of chemistry from the perspective of chemistry, and offers enormous insight into factors affecting learning in our discipline. This journal ( www.rsc.org/cerp ) along with the Journal of Chemical Education published by the American Chemical Society (http://pubs.acs.org/journal/jceda8) and Chemistry Teacher International published for IUPAC (http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/cti) focus on discipline specific issues relating to chemistry education, and their prominence in being associated with major societies in chemistry indicates the high status chemistry education and chemistry education research has attained with the family of chemistry sub-disciplines.

In an attempt to help students new to chemistry education research take some first steps in their research work, this editorial focuses on the important early stage of immersing in project work: deciding what it is you want to research. Other sources of information relating to project work include the associated editorials in this journal describing more fully other parts of conducting research ( Seery et al. , 2019 ), as well as thinking about how theses published as part of university studies compare to education research publications ( Lawrie et al. , 2020 ). These editorials should be useful to students in the planning and writing stages of their research work respectively and, like all articles published in this journal, are free to access. Guidance on completing a literature review in chemistry education research is available online ( Seery, 2017 ).

What do you want to find out? Defining your research question

The “good” news is that this initial experience is very common. The task at the beginning stage of your first project is to determine what general area you would like to research, and narrow this down iteratively until you decide on a particular question you would like to answer. We will go through this process below, but an important thing to keep in mind at this stage is that work on your first project is both about the research you will do and also what you learn about doing research. Choosing a topic of interest is important for your own motivation. But regardless of the topic, doing a project in this field will involve lots of learning about the research processes and this research field. These associated skills and knowledge will likely be of most benefit to you after you complete your dissertation and go on into a future career and further studies.

Deciding on your research topic

Choosing what you want to work on when you are not quite sure of the menu to select from is very difficult. Start by writing down what kinds of things interest you that could form general topics of study. You could structure these using the following prompts:

• What from your own learning experience was satisfactory or unsatisfactory? When did you feel like you really understood something, or when did you feel really lost? Sketch out some thoughts, and discuss with some classmates to see if they had similar experiences. The task is to identify particular topics in chemistry or particular approaches of teaching that emerge, and use those as a basis for narrowing your interest to a specific theme.

• What issues from the media are topical in relation to education? Perhaps there have been changes to assessment approaches in schools, or there is a focus on graduate employability? What issues relating to education are emerging in reaction to the impact of COVID-19? Is there something current that interests you that you would like to focus on?

• Are there societal issues that are important to you? Perhaps you would like to explore the experience or performance of particular groups within education, or look at historical data and research trends. You might wish to explore education policy and subsequent impact in chemistry education.

It is likely that several broad topics will emerge that will be of interest to you. But you only have one year and one project, so you will need to choose one! So before you choose, take a shortlist of about three broad topics that interest you and find out a little more about them. The aim here is to dip your toe in the water of these topics and get a feel for what kinds of things people do, and see which one piques your interest most, and which one has most potential for a meaningful and achievable research project.

To find out a little more, you should engage in preliminary reading. This is not a literature review – the task here is to find one or two recent articles associated with each topic. To achieve this, you could go directly to one of the journal pages linked above and type in some search terms. With each article of interest you retrieve, use the following prompts to guide your reading:

1. The introduction to the article usually sets the context of the research, with some general issues relating to the research in this topic, while the final section of the paper (“limitations” or “conclusions” sections) give some specific detail on what needs further study. Read over these sections: are the issues being discussed of interest to you?

2. The experimental or methods section of the article usually describes the sample used in the study. If you were to research in this area, can you see how questions you are interested in would translate to your setting? While we will discuss scope of research more carefully below, the task here is to put yourself in the moment of doing a research project to think: what would I do? And then ask; does that moment pique your interest?

3. The results and discussion section of the article describes data the researchers report and what they think it means in the wider context of the research area. Again, while the data that you get in your project will depend on what you set out to do, use this reading to see what kind of data is impressing you, and whether you find the discussion of interest.

This kind of “sampling” of the vast literature available is a little ad hoc , but it can be useful to help bring focus on the kinds of research that are feasible and help refine some conversations that you can have with your research supervisor. While embarking on a new project will always have a big “unknown” associated with it, your task is to become as familiar as possible with your chosen topic as you can in advance, so that you are making as informed a decision as possible about your research topic. Once you have – you are ready to continue your research!

From research topic to research question

While we don’t often explicitly state the research question in chemistry research, scientists do have an implicit sense that different questions lean on different areas of theory and require different methods to answer them. We can use some of this basis in translating the context to chemistry education research; namely that the research question and the underpinning theory are clearly interdependent, and the research question we ask will mandate the approaches that we take to answer it.

In fact, in (chemistry) education research, we are very explicit with research questions, and setting out the research question at the start of a study is a major component of the research process ( White, 2008 ). As you will find repeatedly in your project, all the components of a research process are interdependent, so that the research question will determine the methods that will determine the kinds of data you can get, which in turn determine the question you can answer. The research question determines what particular aspect within a general research topic you are going to consider. Blaikie (2000, p. 58) wrote (emphasis in original):

“In my view, formulating research questions is the most critical and, perhaps, the most difficult part of a research design… Establishing research questions makes it possible to select research strategies and methods with confidence. In other words, a research project is built on the foundation of research questions .”

So there is a lot of pressure on research questions! The good news is that while you do need to start writing down your research question near the beginning of the project, it will change during the early stages of scoping out projects when considering feasibility, and as you learn more from reading. It could change as a result of ethical considerations ( Taber, 2014 ). And it will probably change and be fine-tuned as you refine your instruments and embark on your study. So the first time you write out a research question will not be the last. But the act of writing it out, however bluntly at the start, helps set the direction of the project, indicates what methods are likely to be used in the project (those that can help answer the question), and keeps the project focussed when other tempting questions arise and threaten to steer you off-course. So put the kettle on, get out a pen and a lot of paper, and start drafting your first research question!

Defining your research question

To assist your thinking and guide you through this process, an example is used to show how this might happen in practice. In this example, a student has decided that they want to research something related to a general topic of work-experience in chemistry degree programmes. The student had previously completed some work experience in an industrial chemistry laboratory, and knows of peers who have completed it formally as part of their degree programme. The student's experience and anecdotal reports from peers are that this was a very valuable part of their undergraduate studies, and that they felt much more motivated when returning to study in formal teaching at university, as well as having a much clearer idea on their career aspirations after university.

Stage 1: what type of question do you want to answer?

Some foreshadowed questions that might emerge in early stages of this research design might include:

• What kinds of industrial experience options are available to chemistry students?

• What experiences are reported by students on industrial experience?

• Why do some students choose to take up industrial placements?

• How does a students’ perception of their career-related skills change as a result of industrial experience?

• How do students on industrial experience compare to students without such experience?

All of these questions – and you can probably think of many more – are specific to the general topic of industrial experience. But as they stand, they are too broad and need some focussing. To help, we will first think about the general kind of research we want to do ( White, 2008 ).

Types of research

A second broad area of research is explanatory research, which tends to answer questions that start with “how” or “why”. Explanatory research has less of a focus on the subject of the research, and more on the processes the subjects are engaged with, seeking to establish what structures led to observed outcomes so that reasons for them can be elucidated.

A third broad area of research is comparative research, which tends to compare observations or outcomes in two or more different scenarios, using the comparison to identify useful insights into the differences observed. Many people new to education research seek to focus on comparative questions, looking to answer the generic question of is “X” better than “Y”? This is naturally attractive, especially to those with a scientific background, but it is worthwhile being cautious in approaching comparative studies. Even in well-designed research scenarios where research does find that “X” is indeed better than “Y” (and designing those experimental research scenarios is fraught with difficulty in education studies), the question immediately turns to: “but why”? Having richer research about descriptions or explanations associated with one or both of the scenarios is necessary to begin to answer that question.

Let us think again about our foreshadowed questions in the context of general types of question. The aim here is to simply bundle together foreshadowed questions by question type, and using the question type, begin to focus a little more on the particular aspects of interest to us. The intention here is to begin to elaborate on what these general questions would involve in terms of research (beginning to consider feasibility), as well as the kinds of outcomes that might be determined (beginning to consider value of research).

The descriptive questions above could be further explored as follows:

• What kinds of industrial experience options are available to chemistry students? In answering this question, our research might begin to focus on describing the types of industrial experience that are available, their location, their length, placement in the curriculum, and perhaps draw data from a range of universities. In this first iteration, it is clear that this question will provide useful baseline data, but it is unlikely to yield interesting outcomes on its own.

• What experiences are reported by students on industrial experience? In answering this question, we are likely going to focus on interviewing students individually or in groups to find out their experience, guided by whatever particular focus we are interested in, such as questions about motivation, career awareness, learning from placement, etc. This research has the potential to uncover rich narratives informing our understanding of industrial placements from the student perspective.

The explanatory questions above can be further explored as follows:

• How does students’ perception of their career-related skills change as a result of industrial experience? In answering this question, our research would remain focussed on student reports of their experiences, but look at it in the context of their sense of career development, their awareness of development of such skills, or perhaps identifying commonalities that emerge across a cohort of students. This research has the potential to surface such issues and inform the support of career development activities.

• Why do some students choose to take up industrial placements? In answering this question, our research would likely involve finding out more about individual students’ choices. But it is likely to uncover rich seams that can be explored across cohorts – do particular types of students complete placements, or are there any barriers to identify regarding encouraging students to complete placements? “Why” questions tend to throw up a lot of follow-on questions, and their feasibility and scope need to be attended to carefully. But they can offer a lot of insight and power in understanding more deeply issues around particular educational approaches.

The comparative question above can be further explored as follows:

• How do students on industrial experience compare to students without such experience? In answering this question, research might compare educational outcomes or reports of educational experience of students who did and did not complete industrial experience, and draw some inference from that. This type of question is very common among novice researchers, keen to find out whether a particular approach is better or worse, but extreme caution is needed. There may be unobservable issues relating to students who choose particular options that result in other observable measures such as grades, and in uncovering any differences in comparing cohorts, care is needed that an incorrect inference is not made. Handle comparisons with caution!

At this stage, you should pause reading, and dwell on your research topic with the above considerations in mind. Write out some general research areas that have piqued your interest (the foreshadowed questions) and identify them as descriptive, explanatory, or comparative. Use those headline categories to tease out a little more what each question entails: what would research look like, who would it involve, and what information would be obtained (in general terms). From the list of questions you identify, prioritise them in terms of their interest to you. From the exercise above, I think that the “how” question is of most interest to me – I am an educator and therefore am keen to know how we can best support students’ return to studies after being away on placement. I want to know more about difficulties experienced in relation to chemistry concepts during that reimmersion process so that I can make changes and include supports for students. For your research area and your list of foreshadowed questions, you should aim to think about what more focussed topics interest and motivate you, and write out the reason why. This is important; writing it out helps to express your interest and motivation in tangible terms, as well as continuing the process of refining what exactly it is you want to research.

Once you have, we can begin the next stage of writing your research question which involves finding some more context about your research from the literature.

Stage 2: establishing the context for your research

Finding your feet, types of context.

Let's make some of this tangible. In focussing my foreshadowed questions, I have narrowed my interest to considering how students on work experience are aware of their career development, how they acknowledge skills gained, and are able to express that knowledge. Therefore I want to have some theoretical underpinnings to this – what existing work can I lean on that will allow me to further refine my question.

As an example of how reading some literature can help refine the question, consider the notes made about the following two articles.

• A 2017 article that discusses perceived employability among business graduates in an Australian and a UK university, with the latter incorporating work experience ( Jackson and Wilton, 2017 ): this study introduces me to the term “perceived employability”, the extent to which students believe they will be employed after graduation. It highlights the need to consider development of career awareness at the individual level. It discusses the benefits of work experience on perceived employability, although a minimum length is hinted at for this to be effective. It introduces (but does not measure) concepts of self-worth and confidence. Data to inform the paper is collected by a previously published survey instrument. Future work calls for similar studies in other disciplines.

• A 2017 article that discusses undergraduate perceptions of the skills gained from their chemistry degree in a UK university ( Galloway, 2017 ): this study reports on the career relevant skills undergraduate students wished to gain from their degree studies. This study informs us about the extent to which undergraduates are thinking about their career skills, with some comparison between students who were choosing to go on to a chemistry career and those who were considering some other career. It identifies career-related skills students wished to have more of in the chemistry curriculum. Most of the data is collected by a previously published survey. This work helps me locate my general reading in the context of chemistry.

Just considering these two articles and my foreshadowed question, it is possible to clarify the research question a little more. The first article gives some insight into some theoretical issues by introducing a construct of perceived employability – that is something that can be measured (thinking about how something can be measured is called operationalisation). This is related to concepts of self-worth and confidence (something that will seed further reading). Linking this with the second article, we can begin to relate it to chemistry; we can draw on a list of skills that are important to chemistry students (whether or not they intend to pursue chemistry careers), and the perceptions about how they are developed in an undergraduate context. Both articles provide some methodological insights – the use of established surveys to elicit student opinion, and the reporting of career-important skills from the perspective of professional and regulatory bodies for chemistry, as well as chemistry students.

Taking these two readings into account, we might further refine our question. The original foreshadowed question was:

“ How does students’ perception of their career-related skills change as a result of industrial experience? ”

If we wished to draw on the literature just cited, we could refine this to:

“ How does undergraduate chemistry students’ perceived employability and awareness of career-related skills gained change as a result of a year-long industrial placement? ”

This step in focussing is beginning to move the research question development into a phase where particular methods that will answer it begin to emerge. By changing the phrase “perception” to “perceived employability”, we are moving to a particular aspect of perception that could be measured, if we follow methods used in previous studies. We can relate this rather abstract term to the work in chemistry education by also incorporating some consideration of students’ awareness of skills reported to be important for chemistry students. We are also making the details of the study a little more specific; referring to undergraduate chemistry students and the length of the industrial placement. This question then is including:

– The focus of the research: perception of development of career skills.

– The subject of the research: undergraduate chemistry students on placement.

– The data likely to be collected: perceived employment and awareness of career related skills.

It is likely that as more reading is completed, some aspects of this question might change; it may become more refined or more limited in scope. It may change subject from looking at a whole cohort to just one or two individual student journeys. But as the question crystallises, so will the associated methodology and it is important in early readings not to be immediately swayed in one direction or another. Read as broadly as you can, looking at different methods and approaches, and find something that lines up with what it is you want to explore in more detail.

Stage 3: testing your research question

Personal biases.

Whatever we like to tell ourselves, there will always be personal bias. In my own research on learning in laboratories, I have a bias whereby I cannot imagine chemistry programmes without laboratory work ( Seery, 2020 ). If I were to engage in research that examined, for example, the replacement of laboratory work with virtual reality, my personal bias would be that I could not countenance that such an approach could replace the reality of laboratory work. This is a visceral reaction – it is grounded in emotion and personal experience, rather than research, because at the time of writing, little research on this topic exists. Therefore I would need to plan carefully any study that investigated the role of virtual reality in laboratory education to ensure that it was proofed from my own biases, and work hard to ensure that voices or results that challenged my bias were allowed to emerge. The point is that we all have biases, and they need to be openly acknowledged and continually aired. I suggest to my students that they write out their own biases related to their research early in their studies as a useful checkpoint. Any results that come in that agree with the tendency of a bias are scrutinised and challenged in detail. This can be more formally done by writing out a hypothesis, which is essentially a prediction or a preconception of what a finding might be. Hypotheses are just that – they need to be tested against evidence that is powerful enough to confirm or refute them.

Bias can also emerge in research questions. Clearly, our research question written in the format: “why are industrial placements so much better than a year of lecture courses?” is exposing the bias of the author plainly. Biases can be more subtle. Asking leading questions such as “what are the advantages of…” or “what additional benefits are there to…” are not quite as explicitly biased, but there is an implicit suggestion that there will be advantages and benefits. Your research question should not pre-empt the outcome; to do so negates the power of your research. Similarly, asking dichotomous questions (is placement or in-house lecturing best?) implies the assumption that one or the other is “best”, when the reality is that both may have distinct advantages and drawbacks, and a richer approach is to explore what each of those are.

Question scope

Feasibility relates to lots of aspects of the project. In our study on industrial experience, the question asks how something will change, and this immediately implies that we will at least find out what the situation was at the beginning of the placement and at some point during or after the placement. Will that be feasible? Researchers should ask themselves how they will access those they wish to research. This becomes a particular challenge if the intention is to research students based in a different institution. The question should also be reviewed to ensure that it is feasible to achieve an answer with the resources you have to hand. Asking for example, whether doing an industrial placement influences future career choices would be difficult to answer as it would necessitate tracking down a sufficient sample of people who had (and had not) completed placements, and finding a robust way of exploring the influence of placement on their career choice. This might be feasible, but not in the timeframe or with the budget you have assigned to you. Finally, feasibility in terms of what you intend to explore should be considered. In our example research question, we have used the term “perceived employability”, as this is defined and described in previous literature with an instrument that can elicit some value associated with it. Care is needed when writing questions to ensure that you are seeking to find something that can be measured.

Of course researchers will naturally over-extend their research intentions, primarily because that initial motivation they have tapped into will prompt an eagerness to find out as much as possible about their topic of study. One way of addressing this is to write out a list of questions that draw from the main research question, with each one addressing some particular aspect of the research question. For our main research question:

we could envisage some additional related questions:

(a) Are there differences between different types of placement?

(b) Are the observations linked to experience on placement or some other factors?

(c) What career development support did students get during placement?

(d) How did students’ subsequent career plans change as a result of placement?

And the list could go on (and on). Writing out a list of related questions allows you to elaborate on as many aspects of the main question as you can. The task now is to prioritise them. You may find that in prioritising them, one of these questions itself becomes your main question. Or that you will have a main question and a list of subsidiary questions. Subsidiary questions are those which relate to the main question but take a particular focus on some aspect of the research. A good subsidiary question to our main question is question (a), above. This will drill down into the data we collect in the main question and elicit more detail. Care should be taken when identifying subsidiary questions. Firstly, subsidiary questions need to be addressed in full and with the same consideration as the main questions. Research that reports subsidiary question findings that are vague or not fully answered is poor, and undermines the value and power of the findings from the main research questions. If you don’t think you can address it in the scope of your study, it is best to leave it out. Secondly, questions that broaden the scope of the study rather than lead to a deeper focus are not subsidiary questions but rather are ancillary questions. These are effectively new and additional questions to your main research, and it is unlikely that you will have the time or scope to consider them in this iteration. Question (d) is an example of an ancillary question.

Question structure

The length of a research question is the subject of much discussion, and in essence, your question needs to be as long as it needs to be, but no longer. Questions that are too brief will not provide sufficient context for the research, whereas those that are too long will likely confuse the reader as to what it is you are actually looking to do. New researchers tend to write overly long questions, and tactics to address this include thinking about whether the question includes too many aspects. Critiquing my own question, I would point out that I am asking two things in one question – change in perceived employability and change in awareness of career-related skills gained – and if I were to shorten it, I could refer to each of those aspects in subsidiary questions instead. This would clarify that there are two components to the research, and while related, each will have their own data collection requirements and analysis protocols.

Research questions should be written as clearly as possible. While we have mentioned issues relating to language to ensure it is understandable, language issues also need to be considered in our use of terms. Words such as “frequent” or “effective” or “successful” are open to interpretation, and are best avoided, using more specific terms instead ( Kane, 1984 ). The word “significant” in education research has a specific meaning derived from statistical testing, and should only be used in that context. Care is needed when referring to groups of people as well. Researching “working class” students’ experiences on industrial placement is problematic, as the term is vague and can be viewed as emotive. It is better to use terms that can be more easily defined and better reflect a cohort profile (for example, “first generation” refers to students who are the first in their family to attend university) or terms that relate to government classifications, such as particular postcodes assigned a socio-economic status based on income.

As well as clarity with language, research questions should aim to be as precise as possible. Vagueness in research questions relating to what is going to be answered or what the detail of the research is in terms of sample or focus can lead to vagueness in the research itself, as the researcher will not have a clear guide to keep them focussed during the research process. Check that your question and any subsidiary questions are focussed on researching a specific aspect within a defined group for a clear purpose.

Moving on from research question writing

  • Blaikie N., (2000), Designing social research , Oxford: Blackwell.
  • Galloway K. W., (2017), Undergraduate perceptions of value: degree skills and career skills, Chem. Educ. Res. Pract. , 18 (3), 435–440.
  • Jackson D. and Wilton N., (2017), Perceived employability among undergraduates and the importance of career self-management, work experience and individual characteristics, High. Educ. Res. Dev. , 36 (4), 747–762.
  • Kane E., (1984), Doing Your Own Research: Basic Descriptive Research in the Social Sciences and Humanities , London: Marion Boyars.
  • Lawrie G. A., Graulich N., Kahveci A. and Lewis S. E., (2020), Steps towards publishing your thesis or dissertation research: avoiding the pitfalls in turning a treasured tome into a highly-focussed article for CERP, Chem. Educ. Res. Pract. , 21 (3), 694–697.
  • NRC, (2012), Discipline-based education research: Understanding and improving learning in undergraduate science and engineering , National Academies Press.
  • RSC, (2015), Accreditation of Degree Programmes , Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry.
  • Seery M. K., (2009), The role of prior knowledge and student aptitude in undergraduate performance in chemistry: a correlation-prediction study, Chem. Educ. Res. Pract. , 10 (3), 227–232.
  • Seery M. K., (2017), How to do a literature review when studying chemistry education. Retrieved from http://michaelseery.com/how-to-do-a-literature-review-when-studying-chemistry-education/.
  • Seery M. K., (2020), Establishing the Laboratory as the Place to Learn How to Do Chemistry, J. Chem. Educ. , 97 (6), 1511–1514.
  • Seery M. K., Kahveci A., Lawrie G. A. and Lewis S. E., (2019), Evaluating articles submitted for publication in Chemistry Education Research and Practice, Chem. Educ. Res. Pract. , 20 , 335–339.
  • Taber K. S., (2014), Ethical considerations of chemistry education research involving ‘human subjects’, Chem. Educ. Res. Pract. , 15 (2), 109–113.
  • White P., (2008), Developing Research Questions: A Guide for Social Scientists , Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.

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Chemistry Research Topics That Will Knock You Off Your Feet

Updated 30 Aug 2024

Finding suitable chemistry research topics is not an easy task to accomplish, especially if one struggles with several topic ideas or looks at bordering disciplines. Most Chemistry students in the United States often seek for most popular and easy ideas, which is not always efficient as successful paper should be original. From experiment rules and mole reaction to organic and inorganic fields, topic should be researchable and analytical in order to help undergraduates understand how research basics work. You can fulfill all these requirements with the experienced assistance of our academic research paper writing service.

Offering chemistry help online , EduBirdie expert team can guide you not only in choice of relevant research topic, but will follow initial grading rubric rules, including professional editing to make final assignment custom, accurate, and well-structured. Our mission is to make Chemistry homework interesting, affordable, and plagiarism-free as we take you towards success!

research questions for chemistry

Interesting Chemistry Research Areas

As one sees chemistry topics for research project, it is crucial to choose something that interests you and can fully reveal innovative approach to studies or laboratory work. For example, one can combine biology with genome analysis, which will lead to study of NanoChemistry - innovative and hot topic! Remember that Chemistry is never limited to study of periodic table elements or acids dissolution that most might remember from school lessons. What most students fail to see is that there are many areas of chem fields to discover, including:

  • Nanochemistry - fairly modern and cool area that combines chemistry with nanoscience achievements. From synthesis and genome study up to building blocks and models, it is widely used in carbon nanotubes technology and military weapons construction. As one can see from our topics list, we have included several actual examples for brainstorming. If you want to go for something innovative or even controversial, remember to always support information with accurate citing and reliable sources as it helps avoid plagiarism.
  • Organic Chemistry - In simple terms, it is scientific approach to study of structure, composition, and diverse properties of organic compounds that contain carbon. From reactions to synthesis, proper study of this area is essential for veterinarians, dentists, chemical engineers, specialists that work with living organisms. Real life examples include plastics, foods, fuels that are constantly used in daily life. Even though this research areas is quite complex, Edubirdie experts may find interesting chemistry topics that are dealing with engineering.
  • Biochemistry - while term may sound vague, its power lies in great coverage of such diverse subjects as environmental protection, healthcare, genetics, usage of opioids for rehabilitation. What makes this science field especially relevant is laboratory environment that increases amount of helpful topics as one can turn to simulations or modelling. It is where experiments along with study of reactions are explored with significant link with biology. From painkillers medication to genetically-modified food use, implement strong arguments or assumptions since researches papers always base around interesting thesis.
  • Biomolecular Research - also known as high-throughput screening system, which is the most challenging scientific fields that are common in drug discovery, identification of antibodies and active genes that can lead to particular breakthrough solutions. With certain therapeutics involved, topics are usually argumentative with extensive analysis. If this subject is too complex, look for chemistry research paper topics for high school, they are also included in topics list. However, biomolecular studies are not always complex when writer follows clear structure, supports challenging experiments with citation. Ordering research papers online from us, we always ensure that every fact is backed up with reliable academic resources.
  • Analytical Chemistry - For those who analyzes diverse compounds and their properties, science field is safe bet. Most American college professors recommend choosing only one chemical property of an object in writing assignment, yet in some cases like volumetric analysis research, it is allowed focusing on more than one equivalence measure points to show neutrality or any other state of an element in question. Likewise, write about thermal analysis properties in lab experiment or journal style, which is popular among undergraduate students and will make a great chemistry research topic. In case something more advanced is required, there is electromagnetic radiation where students should provide structure models and simulations.

5 Tips For Successful Research & Writing

  • Complete Outline. Research paper outline should include arguable thesis statement that either makes assumption or speaks of benefits or disadvantages of particular scientific method, as an example. Additionally, outline keeps paper structured and avoid too many ideas in same assignment. Start your chemistry research with outlining main points.
  • Limit Use of Personal pronouns & colloquial language. Write in active voice, keep paper structured from Introduction with hook sentence to Conclusion, which should make call to action and an outcome of experiment or study in topic question.
  • Use Reliable Sources. Do not use exact phrasing, but paraphrase in own words. If such is impossible, citing should be short and used only when absolutely necessary. Remember that sources like Wikipedia are not considered reliable for serious research paper.
  • Use Clear Structure & Transitional Sentences . Each paragraph should start with topic sentence that sums up main idea of chemistry research topic.
  • Add Visual Materials & Relevant References . If possible, addition of visual materials or appendix data with similar case studies can make even mediocre chemistry research paper topics original and successful.
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Choose From 50+ Chemistry Research Topics

Have a look at the best chemistry research topics collection for inspiration and creativity boost. Select the one you like the most, modify it for better research.

Controversial Chemistry Research Topics

  • Fritz Haber Personality
  • Chemical Warfare Ethics
  • Synthetic Biology & Gene Analysis
  • Biological Machinery Application
  • Synthetic Molecules Replication
  • Bioconjugation Chemistry Dangers
  • The Ethics of Chemical Warfare and Arms Development.
  • Chemicals in Food Production: Safety vs. Efficiency.
  • The Role of Chemistry in Climate Change Denial.
  • Nanotechnology in Medicine: Revolutionary Healing or Ethical Nightmare?

Innovative Chemistry Research Topics

  • Avoiding Pesticides in Agriculture
  • Polymers Analysis in Restricted Environment
  • Sustainable Elements Synthesis
  • Photocatalysis in 3D Printing
  • Nanophotonics Use in Aeronautics
  • Medicinal Chemistry & BRCA1 Gene Modification
  • Development of Biodegradable Plastics from Natural Polymers.
  • Application of Quantum Dots in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment.
  • Chemically Engineered Photosynthesis for Renewable Energy Production.
  • Advances in Green Chemistry for Sustainable Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.

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Essential Chemistry Research Topics

  • Lewis Structure Study
  • Stoichiometry & Mole Concept
  • Atomic Structure Progressive Scale Grading
  • Electrolysis & Low-level Extraction
  • Dihydroxyacetone Phosphate Conversion
  • Electronegative Atoms & Physical Bonding
  • Exploring the Chemical Basis of Memory and Brain Function.
  • Advances in Water Purification Techniques Using Nanotechnology.
  • The Chemistry of Aging: Understanding the Molecular Changes.
  • Chemical Innovations in Renewable Energy Storage Systems.

Hottest Chemistry Research Topics

  • DNA & Electrons Delocalized Rings
  • Hydrogen & Dipole Interaction
  • Hydrophobic Effect Phenomenon
  • Organic Chemical Reactivity Functioning
  • Molecules Skeletal Representation Model
  • Amino Acids Side Chain Effects
  • Mysteries of Quantum Chemistry: Current Research and Future Perspectives
  • The Role of Green Chemistry in Sustainable Development
  • The Critical Role of Atmospheric Chemistry in Global Warming
  • The Chemistry of Plastics: Understanding and Mitigating Environmental Impact
  • Biochemical Signals in Neurology: A Deeper Look at the Chemistry of the Brain
  • The Frontier of Synthetic Chemistry: Current Advances and Implications
  • Chemical Safety and Regulation: Assessing the Impact of Emerging Chemicals on Human Health
  • The Role of Chemistry in Renewable Energy
  • Artificial Photosynthesis: A Breakthrough in the Chemistry of Renewable Energy
  • The Chemistry of Food Preservation: Modern Techniques and Innovations
  • Medicinal Chemistry: Novel Approaches for Drug Discovery in the Age of Genomics

Analytical Chemistry Research Topics

  • Amide Bonds Function in Polypeptide Field
  • Isomerism Framework Advantages
  • Optical Enantiomers Flaws
  • Dangers of Ibuprofen & Chiral Class Drugs
  • Why Do Chemical Reactions Work Not As Planned?
  • Chemical Equilibrium Effect
  • Development of New Spectroscopic Methods for Trace Element Detection.
  • Analyzing Environmental Pollutants Using Chromatography Techniques.
  • Advances in Forensic Chemistry for Crime Scene Investigation.
  • Application of Mass Spectrometry in Proteomics and Genomics.

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Chemistry Research Topics Ideas for High School

  • Thermochemistry Experiments
  • Dispersions & Suspensions Comparison
  • Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures
  • How to Calculate pH Level?
  • Isotopes Identification
  • XYZ Element History (any period table element)
  • Chemistry Lesson School Safety Rules
  • Hydrolysis Analysis
  • Chemical Kinetics Experiments
  • How to Conduct Chemical Experiment?
  • Substitution Reactions
  • Substance Abuse & Chemical Changes in Human Body
  • Gas Laws Application
  • Laboratory Skills Required for Chemical Equation Experiment
  • Practical Implications of Thermodynamics Laws
  • Acids & Salts in Oxidation Interaction
  • Mole Ratio from Chemical Formulas
  • Acid-Base Neutralization Process
  • Molecular Polarity Analysis
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Collection 

Open Questions in Chemistry

In spite of decades of research and the enormous progress made, chemists continue to grapple with poorly understood aspects of the world around us. Indeed, many fundamental questions remain— will we ever get to the bottom of the different structures of ice, or pinpoint the origins of life on Earth, or obtain a full picture of the complexity of carbon-based molecules in space?

This Collection aims to uncover open questions across the breadth of the chemical sciences. Each Comment article provides an overview of a focused field of research, identifies key open questions, and gives expert opinion on how challenges in answering these questions might be overcome. Our hope is that this series will be of interest to the chemistry community as a whole, and that it will stimulate those working in or adjacent to the research fields that are covered to think about some of the open questions that invite further study.

While the below Comment articles delve into a wide range of important and exciting topics, when one considers the breadth of ongoing research in fundamental areas of chemistry, we have only just begun to scratch the surface. We look forward to publishing more in this series in the months and years to come, and invite experts to submit their own contributions to this exciting Collection.

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  • Collection content
  • How to submit
  • About the Editors
  • About this Collection

Open questions in chemistry

Today, Communications Chemistry launches a series of Comment articles discussing key open questions in specific fields of fundamental chemical research. Here we outline the aims of this series and highlight each contribution within.

Organic chemistry and chemical biology

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on liquid–liquid phase separation

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) underlies the formation of intracellular membraneless compartments in biology and may have played a role in the formation of protocells that concentrate key chemicals during the origins of life. While LLPS of simple systems, such as oil and water, is well understood, many aspects of LLPS in complex, out-of-equilibrium molecular systems remain elusive. Here, the author discusses open questions and recent insights related to the formation, function and fate of such condensates both in cell biology and protocell research.

  • Evan Spruijt

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on proteins interacting with nanoclusters

Interfacing ultrasmall metal nanoclusters (NCs) with proteins can present a dual opportunity: proteins can be used for protecting NCs, and the surface ligands of NCs may interact with proteins. Here, the authors identify and discuss remaining open questions surrounding the bio-NC interface that call for future research efforts.

  • Rodolphe Antoine
  • Dusica Maysinger
  • Vlasta Bonačić-Koutecký

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on the transfer of chirality

The transfer of chiral information from optically pure reaction components to products can generate enantiomerically-enriched molecules, but the control of stereochemistry often proves challenging. Here, the author highlights how our fundamental understanding of stereocontrol has evolved and discusses possible approaches for the rational development of enantioselective catalysts.

  • Jolene P. Reid

research questions for chemistry

Open questions in understanding life’s origins

The chemical space of prebiotic chemistry is extremely large, while extant biochemistry uses only a few thousand interconnected molecules. Here we discuss how the connection between these two regimes can be investigated, and explore major outstanding questions in the origin of life.

  • Christopher J. Butch
  • Markus Meringer
  • H. James Cleaves II

research questions for chemistry

Open questions in functional molecular topology

Molecular knots are evolving from academic curiosities to a practically useful class of mechanically interlocked molecules, capable of performing unique tasks at the nanoscale. In this comment, the author discusses the properties of molecular knots, and highlights future challenges for chemical topology.

  • Fredrik Schaufelberger

research questions for chemistry

Open questions in organic crystal polymorphism

Polymorphs, crystals with different structure and properties but the same molecular composition, arise from the subtle interplay between thermodynamics and kinetics during crystallisation. In this opinion piece, the authors review the latest developments in the field of polymorphism and discuss standing open questions.

  • Aurora J. Cruz-Cabeza
  • Neil Feeder
  • Roger J. Davey

research questions for chemistry

Open questions in chemical glycobiology

Glycans are ubiquitous in biology, but their complex structure and biosynthesis have challenged research of their wide-ranging roles. Here, the authors comment on current trends on the role of chemical methodologies in the field of glycobiology.

  • Mia I. Zol-Hanlon
  • Benjamin Schumann

Inorganic chemistry

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on bonding involving lanthanide atoms

In-depth understanding of the bonding characteristics of the lanthanide ions in contemporary lanthanide-based materials is mandatory for tailoring their properties for novel applications. Here, the authors elaborate on open questions regarding the bonding situation in mainly molecular lanthanide (4f) compounds, where, as compared to their actinide (5f) analogs in which covalency of the bonds is a common feature, this is still under discussion for the 4f compounds.

  • P. W. Roesky

research questions for chemistry

Open questions in boron species with globally 4 n π systems

The Hückel rule defines that monocyclic and planar conjugated systems containing [4 n  + 2] π electrons are aromatic. Here, the authors highlight boron species that feature a globally 4 n π system, defying the Hückel rule, but nonetheless exhibit aromaticity.

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on chemistry in the synthesis and characterization of superheavy elements

Superheavy elements are ideal for furthering our understanding of relativistic effects and how they affect physicochemical properties of heavy elements. In this comment, the author discusses the role of chemistry in the synthesis of new elements before addressing the future challenges concerning the chemical characterization of superheavy elements.

  • Patrick Steinegger

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on the transition between nanoscale and bulk properties of metals

Nanoscience has progressed tremendously in the exploration of new phenomena not seen in bulk materials, however, the transition between nanoscale and bulk properties is not yet fully understood. Here the authors identify and discuss remaining open questions that call for future efforts.

  • Rongchao Jin
  • Tatsuya Higaki

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on the environmental chemistry of radionuclides

Understanding the biogeochemistry of radionuclides in the environment is essential for effective isolation of nuclear waste in repositories, management of contaminated sites, ensuring long-term protection of our ecosystems, and limiting impacts on human health. Here the authors discuss the extreme complexity of this multidimensional chemistry problem, highlighting the outstanding open questions for the next generations of environmental radiochemists.

  • Gauthier J.-P. Deblonde
  • Annie B. Kersting
  • Mavrik Zavarin

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on aromaticity in organometallics

While sp 2 -hybridized carbon atoms in hydrocarbons typically contribute only one electron to their aromaticity, metals have more electrons from d or f orbitals available for participating in conjugation in organometallics, complicating the electron counting as well as analysis of their aromaticity. Here, the author comments on the challenges towards understanding aromaticity in organometallics and outlines several remaining questions that have yet to be answered.

research questions for chemistry

Open questions in low oxidation state group 2 chemistry

The chemistry of stable low oxidation state group 2 metal compounds was initiated in 2007 and has since expanded rapidly, yielding many surprises. Here the author outlines advances in the field and discusses some of the open questions and challenges that remain to be answered in coming years.

  • Cameron Jones

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on the biological roles of first-row transition metals

First-row transition metals play several roles in biological processes and in medicine, but can be toxic in high concentrations. Here the authors comment on the sensitive biochemistry and speciation chemistry of the first-row transition metals, and outline some of the remaining questions that have yet to be answered.

  • Debbie C. Crans
  • Kateryna Kostenkova

research questions for chemistry

Open questions in transplutonium coordination chemistry

Over the past decade, momentous progress has been made in the characterization of late actinide compounds. Here the authors highlight how advances in spectroscopic and computational tools have developed our understanding of fundamental transplutonium bonding interactions, and discuss whether covalency and heterogeneity changes in 5f-orbital bonding could be harnessed in environmentally and industrially relevant systems.

  • Korey P. Carter
  • Roger M. Pallares
  • Rebecca J. Abergel

Physical chemistry

research questions for chemistry

Open questions in attochemistry

Attosecond science is nowadays a well-established research field, and table-top attosecond sources based on high-harmonic generation are routinely used to access electronic motion in matter at its natural time scale. Here, the authors describe a new way of doing chemistry—attochemistry—by directly acting on the electronic motion, and discuss a few key open questions in this emerging field.

  • Francesca Calegari
  • Fernando Martin

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on carbon-based molecules in space

It has been a great joint achievement of astronomy, laboratory spectroscopy and quantum chemistry to identify interstellar molecules in various astronomical environments and piece together their origins story from the fragmented evidence. Here the authors provide a sketch of what we know and motivate the asking of open questions on carbon-based molecules in space.

  • Christopher S. Hansen
  • Els Peeters
  • Timothy W. Schmidt

Open questions on emergence in chemistry

Strong emergence is the main form of emergence that has been defended with respect to chemistry, and in particular molecular structure. Here, the author spells out this form of emergence, proposes new ways in which one can further explore the question of emergence, and explains why investigating emergence should be of interest not only to philosophers but to chemists as well.

  • Vanessa A. Seifert

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on the interaction dynamics of molecules and clusters in the gas phase

Emerging experimental techniques combined with theoretical advances allow unprecedented studies of the dynamics of gas phase molecules and clusters induced in interactions with photons, electrons, or heavy particles. Here, the authors highlight recent advances, key open questions, and challenges in this field of research with focus on experimental studies of dynamics of ions stored on millisecond timescales and beyond, and its applications in astrochemistry and astronomy.

  • Michael Gatchell
  • Henning Zettergren

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on the high-pressure chemistry of the noble gases

Recent high-pressure studies have uncovered many types of chemical bonds present in noble gas compounds. Here, by extrapolating what has been found so far, the authors discuss which future discoveries can be expected and recommend further avenues of exploration.

  • Maosheng Miao
  • Yuanhui Sun

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on transition metals driving secondary thermal processes in atmospheric aerosols

Transition metals are increasingly recognized as key drivers in the formation and aging of light-absorbing organic aerosols, known as brown carbon, which impact the energy flux in the atmosphere. Here the authors discuss somewhat overlooked condensed phase chemical processes and identify research needs to improve our fundamental understanding of atmospheric aerosols and ultimately reduce modelling uncertainties of the direct and indirect effects of aerosol particles on the climate.

  • Hind A. Al-Abadleh
  • Sergey A. Nizkorodov

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on physical chemistry of crystal growth from congruent melts

Crystallization is observed in both nature and in the lab, and is critical to diverse areas of science and technology. Here, the author summarizes the theories that have been proposed to explain crystal growth from melts, and raises some open questions that remain.

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on water confined in nanoporous materials

Water adsorption in soft nanoporous materials can trigger large-scale structural transitions and introduce new properties in the confined water phase. Here, we look at some of the outstanding questions in this lively field of research.

  • François-Xavier Coudert
  • Anne Boutin
  • Alain H. Fuchs

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on methane hydrate nucleation

The commercial use of natural methane hydrate is hampered by several open questions that remain regarding hydrate formation. Here the authors comment on past interpretations and aim to provide a roadmap for developing a predictive theory of methane hydrate nucleation.

  • Guang-Jun Guo
  • Zhengcai Zhang

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on the photophysics of thermally activated delayed fluorescence

The process of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) converts non-radiative triplet states into emissive singlet states. Herein we outline the fundamentals of TADF, some of the recent progress in understanding the key material properties responsible for promoting TADF and finally discuss some remaining challenges for the  potential applications of this phenomenon.

  • Thomas J. Penfold

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on the photophysics of ultrafast singlet fission

Ultrafast singlet fission has the potential to facilitate highly efficient photovoltaics through the multiplication of excitons in organic molecular architectures. Here, we consider the interplay of molecular structure and intermolecular coupling toward enabling ultrafast singlet fission and discuss open questions in the field.

  • Justin C. Johnson

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on the reactivity of Criegee intermediates

Criegee intermediates are reactive intermediates formed in Earth’s atmosphere through ozonolysis of alkenes. Here the authors outline the fundamental chemistry that influences their highly conformer- and substituent-dependent unimolecular and bimolecular reactivity, and discuss open questions of fundamental and atmospheric interest.

  • Rebecca L. Caravan
  • Michael F. Vansco
  • Marsha I. Lester

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on atmospheric nanoparticle growth

Cloud droplets form in the atmosphere on aerosol particles, many of which result from nucleation of vapors. Here the authors comment on current knowledge and open questions regarding the condensational growth of nucleated particles to sizes where they influence cloud formation.

  • Taina Yli-Juuti
  • Claudia Mohr
  • Ilona Riipinen

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on the chemical composition of airborne particles

Airborne particles have significant impacts on health, visibility, and climate. Here, an overview of what is known about particle chemical composition is presented, along with open questions and challenges that are central to relating composition to life cycles and impacts.

  • Barbara J. Finlayson-Pitts
  • Lisa M. Wingen
  • Michael J. Ezell

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on the physical properties of aerosols

Aerosols are highly dynamic, non-equilibrium systems exhibiting unique microphysical properties relative to bulk systems. Here the authors discuss the roles aerosols play in (bio)chemical transformations and identify open questions in aerosol-mediated reaction rate accelerations, aerosol optical properties, and microorganism survival.

  • Bryan R. Bzdek
  • Jonathan P. Reid
  • Michael I. Cotterell

research questions for chemistry

Open questions on the structures of crystalline water ices

Water can form a vast number of topological frameworks owing to its hydrogen-bonding ability, with 19 different forms of ice experimentally confirmed at present. Here, the authors comment on open questions and possible future discoveries, covering negative to ultrahigh pressures.

  • Thomas Loerting
  • Violeta Fuentes-Landete
  • Tobias M. Gasser

Open questions on nonequilibrium thermodynamics of chemical reaction networks

Chemical reaction networks (CRNs) are prototypical complex systems because reactions are nonlinear and connected in intricate ways, and they are also essential to understand living systems. Here, the author discusses how recent developments in nonequilibrium thermodynamics provide new insight on how CRNs process energy and perform sophisticated tasks, and describes open challenges in the field.

  • Massimiliano Esposito

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177 Hot Chemistry Topics Every Student Should Have

chemistry topics

Finding a topic in chemistry may not be every student’s favorite idea. Many college and university students perceive chemistry as a technical field that needs only top minds. Statistics point to a dwindling number of students pursuing chemistry-related courses. For the few who still follow this field, arriving at impressive general chemistry topics is also a hard nut to crack.

Let us first break down the myth concerning chemistry paper topics.

What Is A Chemistry in the Field of Academics?

Chemistry refers to a branch of science specializing in the composition, properties, and structure of elements and compounds. It also looks at how they change and the energy they release or absorb during the change. You will find the latest findings of tests or experiments and what they mean to typical day-to-day life.

Topics in chemistry will therefore range from experimental to theoretical concepts that come into play. Chemistry is applied in what we do regularly and thus the ease of identifying interesting chemistry topics for presentation or research.

When thinking of what to have for your chemistry project topics, consider the following:

  • The specific field of chemistry you are handling
  • The relationship between your idea and the society at large
  • How the topic will impact society positively

To have excellent chemistry topics, ensure that you follow your professor’s instructions to the latter. Many online sites offer help for students, but not all can precisely meet your requirements.

That is why you need a quality writing site that offers you the best chemistry topics for research papers.

What To Avoid When Writing Chemistry Related Topics

The knowledge of the do’s and don’ts of any paper is crucial in giving the best piece. Furthermore, it will help you stick within the scope of your supervisor’s requirements. As such, here are some of the pitfalls to avoid in writing chemistry topics for presentation:

  • A lot of technical terms: The field of chemistry has jargon that can turn off a reader who is new to it. Therefore, using many technological times that are only known to a few individuals for topics in current chemistry may not auger well with the readers.
  • Using numbers in chemistry topics: We understand that issues requiring experiments may have several numerical data. However, these numerals should not be part of the topic. It is because staffing numbers at the beginning of any paper turn off many prospective readers.
  • Lengthy chemistry topics: This does not only apply in chemistry topics but all other papers as well. Extended issues may not give the reader a good picture of the gist of the content. As such, it may confuse them all the more.
  • Do not use rhetorical questions: Unlike English or literature papers, chemistry-related assignments require a specific topic. The idea should be precise and point the reader to what they should expect in the subsequent paragraphs. Remember that there is a difference between scientific papers and those in the humanities and arts fields.

So, whether you are writing chemistry research topics for high school or controversial chemistry topics, always use the right words to present your stance, void of any disputes. Your case should clearly state your stand rather than try to force the reader to adopt your particular point of view.

When presenting your arguments, ensure that you support them with undisputed evidence. Science requires facts rather than mere speculations and hearsay. Therefore, avoid the temptation of assuming that your reader may not be skeptical of your arguments. Persons in science are keen on facts, figures, numbers, and outcomes of various experiments.

Finally, remember always to show the relationship between chemistry and other related fields. Since this is an interdisciplinary subject, its relationship must come out so that the reader can make the comparison for himself/herself.

You can find a hot topic in chemistry from:

  • Chemistry encyclopedias
  • Research findings and other chemistry-related articles online
  • Well-reputed scientific repositories
  • Science documentaries and features

Join me as we explore 177 of the most brilliant chemistry topics from top-notch experts.

Nuclear Chemistry Topics For Undergraduates

  • The role of the electronic structure of species in chemical reactions
  • What is the essence of ions, molecules, and atoms in nuclear chemistry?
  • How does the arrangement of the electrons around atoms influence nuclear reactions?
  • The role of the discovery of radioactivity in nuclear chemistry
  • Discuss the implication of various technologies related to energy in nuclear chemistry
  • How has nuclear chemistry evolved from the 18 th century to date?
  • What facilitates the repulsion of protons during reactions?
  • Assess why a nucleus contains less mass than the total mass of the constituent nucleons
  • The role of the binding energy in ensuring nuclear stability
  • Discuss the application of Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence equation
  • Evaluate reactions that make nuclei change their energy state
  • Evaluate the part of high-energy helium nuclei
  • How to use high-energy electromagnetic radiation in a chemical reaction
  • Why do unstable nuclei experience spontaneous radioactive decay?
  • Discuss positron emission and electron capture
  • Factors that contribute to the formation of a stable isotope
  • Discuss the relevance of first-order kinetics in radioactive decay

Fun Chemistry Research Topics

  • How the PH of acids and bases apply to aqueous solutions
  • Catalysts that are necessary for acid-base reactions in chemistry
  • The role of chemical reactions in living cells and industrial processes
  • Why is it essential to study the atomic structure?
  • Discuss the factors that affect oxidation-reduction reactions or redox reactions.
  • How to produce electrodes and batteries from electrochemical reactions
  • The role of measurements and performing calculations in chemistry
  • How thermochemistry plays out in physical chemistry
  • Evaluate the role of enthalpy and entropy in thermochemistry
  • Factors that affect endothermic reactions and exothermic reactions
  • The role of oxidation numbers in covalent bonding
  • Describe the unique characteristics of the periodic table
  • How to balance chemical equations
  • Factors that affect the rate of chemical reactions
  • Discuss the properties of various mixtures and solutions
  • What is the essence of suspensions, dilutions, and colloids?

Interesting Chemistry Topics

  • The role of nanophotonic in military operations
  • How does the chemical equilibrium influence reactions?
  • The role of chemistry in preparing drugs and dosages
  • Why do most students view chemistry as a prestigious course in college?
  • Evaluate some of the practical applications of surface tensions
  • The role of chemistry in the development of dyes
  • Explain how a paper loses its color when exposed to light and moisture
  • The chemical reactions behind the production of ethanol
  • Evaluate the safety mechanisms applied in gas chambers
  • Compare and contrast between manufactured and naturally occurring oxygen
  • The importance of Lewis Structure in chemical reactions
  • Discuss how hydrogen and oxygen combine to produce water
  • What properties of the laughing gas make it unique from the others?
  • Describe the stabilization process of lithium
  • Evaluate the risks and dangers associated with Ibuprofen
  • The role of chlorophyll in the green color of plants

High School Chemistry Topics

  • Discuss the considerations for a chemistry experiment in the lab
  • How to minimize heat loss during endothermic reactions
  • The role of technology in advancing chemical reactions
  • How UV rays affect the response of gases
  • Evaluate the role of chemistry in medicine
  • Why are most chemicals kept away from light and heat?
  • Discuss why most chemicals have a shorter life span
  • Is the chemistry curriculum in high schools sufficient enough?
  • What makes caffeine an additive element in coffee?
  • Discuss the chemical implications of an overdose
  • What is the role of enzymes in chemical reactions in the body?
  • What makes petroleum products highly flammable?
  • Discuss how scientists can separate the gases from the atmosphere
  • The process of detecting heavy metals in plants
  • How to evaluate the oxidation levels of various experiments
  • Effects of having excess catalysts in a reaction

Current Topics In Medicinal Chemistry

  • The role of chemistry in managing the current coronavirus pandemic
  • Chemical reactions involved in the formation of 5G technology
  • The impact of online journals on the practice of chemistry
  • What should be the minimum academic qualification of a chemistry lecturer?
  • The role of the Brownian chamber if assessing chemical properties of gases
  • How does fermentation occur in the production of ethanol?
  • Why is chemistry an essential component of any society?
  • Discuss the chemical properties involved in the development of ventilators
  • What makes gas masks effective in filtering between different gases?
  • Discuss the process of determining and reducing toxicity levels
  • The role of chemistry in the study of anthropology
  • Chemical reactions involved in dating
  • How acid rain causes corrosion of iron sheets
  • The influence of chemicals on human allergies
  • Discuss the effect of soft drinks on the human body?
  • Is there any chemical implication of serving food on a plastic plate?

Impressive Chemistry Projects Topics

  • The application of chemistry in the cosmetic industry
  • How aluminum foils and cling films affect the quality of food
  • The role of cold weather in facilitating enzymatic action
  • How have scientists made the world healthier and safe?
  • Latest chemical inventions in the field of chemistry
  • Impact of vitamins in the human body reactions
  • The role of fatty acids in human metabolism
  • How the structure and properties of various enzymes affect reactions
  • The role of chemical reactions in biological developments
  • Discuss some of the ethics involved in chemical reactions
  • The part of chemistry in the manufacture of bioweapons
  • Discuss how chemical reactions affect synthetic molecule replication
  • What are the dangers of bioconjugation chemistry?
  • The impact of pesticides in affecting agricultural development
  • Why are photocatalysts necessary in 3D printing?
  • Discuss the role of polymers in chemical reactions

Organic Chemistry Topics

  • Discuss the factors involved in the formation of enolate anions
  • What are the catalysts involved in benzene reactions?
  • What is the procedure of naming benzene derivatives?
  • Discuss the aromatic suitability of compounds in reactions
  • What are the processes involved in the synthesis of alcohols?
  • Discuss the nomenclature and properties of alcohols
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of alkene reactions under extreme heat
  • What are the factors that affect free radical reactions?
  • Discuss the stereoisomerism relationships of various compounds
  • What constitutes the conformation of alkanes?
  • Discuss the properties of functional groups
  • Factors that affect organic acid-base chemistry
  • What is the implication of bond-line structures
  • Factors affecting electronegativity in chemical reactions
  • What are the optimum levels for nucleophilicity and basicity?
  • The role of elimination reactions in chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry Topics

  • Discuss the structure and periodicity of the atom in inorganic chemistry
  • How symmetry and group theory affect inorganic chemistry
  • Analyze the origin of elements and their distribution
  • The impact of the discovery of aspects in inorganic chemistry
  • How the electronic structure of elements affects their reactions
  • Evaluate the block classification of various bonding states
  • Geometrical factors involved in inorganic reactions
  • Discuss the relationship between inorganic chemistry and thermodynamics
  • How the structures of metal complexes affect their reactions
  • Discuss the concepts and scope of the ligand field
  • Evaluate the electronic spectra of complexes
  • Discuss the magnetic properties of complexes
  • How symmetry elements co-relate with optical isomerism
  • Describe the osmotic pressure and the theory of solution
  • Evaluate the idea of ionization
  • Discuss the bonding theories both in inorganic molecules and in the solid-state

Environmental Chemistry Topics

  • Chemistry of air and soil with specific emphasis on the effects of human-made chemical products
  • Discuss the tragedy of environmental problems
  • Eliminating the carbon foot-print using chemistry
  • Discuss the history of environmental regulations
  • Factors that facilitate the formation and destruction of ozone
  • Specific requirements for the Chapman mechanism
  • Catalytic processes of ozone destruction in the 21 st century
  • Analyze the chemistry of ozone depletion using carbon as a case study
  • What are the properties of chemicals that cause ozone destruction?
  • Evaluate the CFC replacements that are effective
  • Analyze the effectiveness of international agreements in environmental management
  • Evaluate the chemical fate of trace gases in the air
  • Factors that necessitate the photochemical smog process
  • Chemical ways of improving air quality
  • How to limit VOC and NO emissions
  • The role of catalytic converters in environmental conservation

Physical Chemistry Topics

  • The role of sulfur-based emissions in contributing to air pollution
  • Discuss the evolution of the atomic structure over time
  • How to use mass number to find the number of fundamental particles in ions and atoms
  • Discuss the existence of isotopes in various reactions
  • Analyze the principles of a simple time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometer
  • How to obtain accurate information about relative isotopic mass
  • Discuss how to write equations for first and successive ionization energies
  • Evaluate the role of The Avogadro Constant in physical chemistry
  • How does the concentration of a substance in a solution affect its reaction?
  • Discuss the functions of the ideal gas equation in physical chemistry
  • Explain the relationship between empirical formula and a molecular formula
  • Discuss the economic challenges of developing chemical processes with a high atom economy
  • How to write balanced equations for reactions in physical chemistry
  • What determines the concentrations and volumes for reactions in solutions?
  • How to predict the charge on a simple ion using the position of the element in the Periodic Table
  • Discuss why multiple bonds contain multiple pairs of electrons

Chemistry Presentation Topics

  • Discuss the environmental and health consequences of polluted air
  • What are the chemical mechanisms involved in the Greenhouse effect?
  • Discuss the global energy use and energy sources
  • Analyze the process of treatment of wastewater and sewage
  • Discuss the effects of chloro-organic, organophosphate, and carbonate insecticides
  • Evaluate the litmus lichen found in West Africa
  • How does Ammonia gas dissolve in water to form aqueous ammonia?
  • Discuss the catalysts that dissolve ionic compounds and other polar solvents
  • What makes some acids strong and others weak?
  • The role of the number of moles in the concentration of an acid
  • How ions present in a solution conduct electricity
  • Discuss the role of chemistry in the development of robotics
  • The role of women in the field of chemistry
  • Engaging ways of learning chemistry apart from experiments
  • Chemical compounds that facilitate the development of cancerous cells
  • Discuss the current results in rational drug design

Do you need help to complete your chemistry paper fast? Our professional assistance is all you need. Try our cheap writing help today and succeed in your chemistry paper effortlessly.

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Develop your research question

  • Search for your assignment
  • Find books and journal articles
  • Find government and organisation information
  • Properties and calculations
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  • Assignment Help

STEP 1: Understand your research objective

Before you start developing your research question, think about your research objectives:

  • What are you trying to do? (compare, analyse)
  • What do you need to know about the topic?
  • What type of research are you doing?
  • What types of information/studies do you need? (e.g. randomised controlled trial, case study, guideline, protocol?)
  • Does the information need to be current?

Watch the following video (6:26) to get you started:

Key points from the video

  • All good academic research starts with a research question.
  • A research question is an actual question you want to answer about a particular topic.
  • Developing a question helps you focus on an aspect of your topic, which will streamline your research and writing.
  • Pick a topic you are interested in.
  • Narrow the topic to a particular aspect.
  • Brainstorm some questions around your topic aspect.
  • Select a question to work with.
  • Focus the question by making it more specific. Make sure your question clearly states who, what, when, where, and why.
  • A good research question focuses on one issue only and requires analysis.
  • Your search for information should be directed by your research question.
  • Your thesis or hypothesis should be a direct answer to your research question, summarised into one sentence.

STEP 2: Search before you research

The benefits of doing a background search :

  • You can gather more background knowledge on a subject
  • explore different aspects of your topic
  • identify additional keywords and terminology
: You can do  at any stage of the development of your question.

STEP 3: Choose a topic

Image of turning your interest to a topics: first step, explore the different aspect of your interest

In this step, a will help you identify articles and books which can inspire more ideas and reveal aspects of your research interest that you may not have considered.

The resources linked below are a good place to start: 

  • UpToDate It covers thousands of clinical topics grouped into specialties with links to articles, drugs and drug interaction databases, medical calculators and guidelines.
  • An@tomedia This online anatomy resource features images, videos, and slides together with interactive, educational text and quiz questions.
  • Anatomy.tv Find 3D anatomical images; functional anatomy animations and videos, and MRI, anatomy, and clinical slides. Test your knowledge through interactive activities and quizzes.

STEP 4: Brainstorm your questions

Now you have explored different aspects of your topic, you may construct more focused questions (you can create a few questions and pick one later).

construct more focused questions (you may create a few questions and pick one later on)

A will show you how others formulate their questions, hence expand your research direction.

Learn more: 

  • Clear and present questions: formulating questions for evidence based practice (Booth 2006) This article provides an overview of thinking in relation to the theory and practice of formulating answerable research questions.

STEP 5: Pick a question and focus

Once you have a few questions to choose from, pick one and refine it even further.

STEP 4: pick a question and focus

A  may help you identify additional keywords in this step.

Are you required to use "PICO"?

  • PICO worksheet
  • Other frameworks

The PICO framework (or other variations) can be useful for developing an answerable clinical question. 

The example question used in this guide is a PICO question:   How does speech therapy compare to cognitive behavioural therapy in improving speech fluency in adolescents?


OR
teenager with a stutter

speech therapy

cognitive behavioural therapy

speech fluency
: PICO is one option, there are other frameworks you can use too!

Use the interactive PICO worksheet to get started with your question, or you can download the worksheet document.

  • Building your question with PICO

Here are some different frameworks you may want to use:

opulation ( atient), ntervention, omparison ( ontrol) and utcome. Add a imeframe if required. Used particularly for treatment type questions.
A variation of PICO where = xposure and = imeframe if required.
Developed in the context of practice guideline adaptation. Includes  = rofessionals/ atients, = utcome and  = ealthcare Setting.
= etting (where), = erspective (for whom), = ntervention (what), = omparison (compared with what), = valuation (Booth 2006).
= ample, = henomenon of interest, = esign, = valuation, = esearch type. Useful for qualitative or mixed method studies (Cooke, Smith and Booth 2012).
= Expectations, = lient group, = ocation, = Impact, = rofession, = ervice (Wildridge & Bell 2002).
= Political,  = Economic, =  ocial, =  echnological, = nvironmental, = egal (CIPD 2010).

There are a number of PICO variations which can be used for different types of questions, such as qualitative, and background and foreground questions. Visit the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Guide to learn more:

  • Evidence Based Practice guide
  • << Previous: Plan your search
  • Next: Search for your assignment >>
  • Last Updated: Jul 30, 2024 12:42 PM
  • URL: https://guides.library.unisa.edu.au/Chemistry

The text within this Guide is licensed CC BY 4.0 . Image licenses can be found within the image attributions document on the last page of the Guide. Ask the Library for information about reuse rights for other content within this Guide.

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Choosing a Chemistry IA Research Question

Student staring at board trying to find inspiration for project

Choosing a Research Question for the Internal Assessment

Confused about what a Research Question is? This guide will help you understand what they are and how to pick a good one.

The Internal Assessment (IA) is a mini-research project. It is an opportunity to show-off your chemistry skills and knowledge and investigate interesting ideas without the pressure and constraints of the written exams.

The IA requires you to design and carry out an original investigation into a topic of interest related to IB chemistry, then produce a 6 – 12 page report of your findings. Worth 20% (the same as paper 1), the project and report should be of a high standard – the very best ones are of university research standard.

Central to your IA is the research question , around which your entire project revolves.

What is a research question?

Your research question states the aim and context of your investigation. It may be phrased as a statement or a question and it can be in more than one part, provided that each part is properly defined and focused on a common aim.

Importantly, it needs to be fully focused and clear , meaning someone reading it should understand what you investigated, the context, and what you did experimentally. The research question should not simply be a restatement of your project title.

Choosing your research question

The research question is a focused summary of your project aims, so the process of choosing one and refining it ensures you’ve thought properly about your project and is a good exercise to go through.

The flow diagram below is one I’ve used with my past students to help them identify their research question, variables and hypothesis:

Flowchart showing how to develop a research question and hypothesis

To use this method:

  • Think about the ‘big idea’ behind your potential project and identify the chemical reaction at its centre. (Note that for projects involving measurements of physical properties or molecular modelling, you might have a physical system or a molecule instead of a chemical reaction).
  • Think about which factors will affect the reaction, focusing on only those that are relevant and that can be measured and controlled
  • Determine what it is you will deliberately change, how you will change it ( e.g. how many values), and what you are going to measure as the outcome

Research question variables

Your research question should contain your independent and dependent variables (note this is a recommendation, not a rule).

  • Independent variable : the thing you are going to deliberately change in order to see the outcome.
  • Dependent variable : the variable you will measure.

You will also need to identify controlled variables, which are things that if not controlled and kept constant, will potentially affect the experimental outcome.

It’s vitally important that your independent variable is scientific and quantifiable ( i.e. you can measurably vary it).

Here are some examples of weak or uninteresting independent variables and how they could be improved:

Effect of cooking time… Effect of cooking temperature or pH
Effect of number of halogen atoms… Effect of halogen electronegativity or atomic radius
Time taken to digest a tablet… Rate of hydrolysis at different pH

Is the research question different to a hypothesis?

You should be able to generate a hypothesis describing how your dependent variable will change for a given number of independent variable values (usually, a range of 3-5 values).

So, what’s a hypothesis? It’s your prediction about the outcome of your experiment. Your hypothesis predicts how your independent variable will affect the outcome (dependent variable). You then test the prediction by experiment and will either find your results support your research question hypothesis, or don’t support it.

Refining your research question

Suppose a student wants to investigate whether “superfoods” contain more vitamin C than other foods (this sort of food chemistry project is popular).

Here are some of their potential research questions:

  • Vitamin C content of vegetables – this is a project title, not a research question
  • Analysis of vitamin C in vegetables – this is not focused enough
  • Analysis of vitamin C content of superfoods using redox titration – this is better but the focus is unclear
  • Using redox titration to determine whether the vitamin C concentration of so-called superfoods is higher than normal vegetables – this is better since it’s fully-focused, provides context for the investigation and contains the dependent variable.

But wait, this is NOT a good project idea!

The independent variable here is type of vegetable. This is not a quantifiable variable ! The outcome of the project is not rooted in scientific principles that can be investigated and correlated, so this would be a weak IA.

You must choose a project where you will change something over a range of values and then measure an outcome.

Tablet brands or types of fruits are not independent variables. There is specific guidance on this in the Science IA Guidelines, which state: “ The straightforward comparison of two organisms or “brands” probably represents a weak RQ since the underlying cause of any difference does not arise from any scientific principle ”.

Avoid weak and poorly-connected RQs

IAs sometimes seem to have a weak connection between the research question and what was actually done. This often occurs when a student wants to research a ‘big question’ that involves complex systems, many variables, and would realistically take a year to investigate. Because they can’t do that, they end up taking the ‘big question’ and reducing it down to a more mundane research question. Here are some examples:

‘Big idea’ Actual project
Student wanted to investigate how increasing water acidity is damaging coral reefs Student just measured order of reaction between CaCO3 and HCl
Student wanted to investigate the relationship between alcohol chain length and fuel efficiency Student just measured enthalpy of combustion for different alcohols
Student wanted to investigate how different aspirin formulations (tablet vs. soluble) affected absorption Student just measured rate of aspirin hydrolysis at different temperatures

Meeting the personal engagement criteria

  • Ensure your project is something you are genuinely curious about and can show that in your report
  • Ensure that you take ownership of the project and steer it using your own initiative
  • Ensure that it’s clear in your report that you have engaged with your chose topic
  • Be creative in your approach to designing your experimental programme

Don’t just copy an existing IA you found online, such as one from my list here !

Meeting the originality criteria

You have to pick a project that enables you to show initiative and creativity, and that is demanding to investigate.

  • It must not involve experiments where the outcome is well-known and well-documented (what’s the point of investigating it?)
  • It therefore can’t be a commonplace school science experiment.
  • It should be more challenging and original than the class practicals you should have done as part of the chemistry IB

It also shouldn’t be something you can find the answer to in you IB chemistry textbook or in the IB chemistry data booklet e.g. how surface area affects reaction rate or determining the enthalpy of combustion of butane

Which projects work well?

Projects that can often be reliably executed are physical chemistry projects involving data collection experiments. Often, you will be able to find very reproducible experimental procedures that you can adapt for your project idea For example:

  • measuring rates of reaction
  • measuring activation energies
  • determining enthalpy changes by calorimetry
  • titrations (acid-base or redox) to determine unknowns
  • spectroscopy or colorimetry to investigate mineral, vitamin or ion concentrations

However, just because physical chemistry projects tend to work well in the lab and produce good results, it does not mean you are guaranteed to get a top mark by picking one. You are marked on the quality of your research and report, not just how well the experiments worked and how good your results are.

Project selection questions

To help choose a good IA, it’s a good idea to ask yourself the following questions about your project:

  • Is your topic relevant to the IB chemistry syllabus?
  • Do you have genuine curiosity for this topic and will you be able to communicate that in your report?
  • Is your research question suitably demanding with a strong scientific setting?
  • Will your research question allow you to show creativity and initiative in the project?
  • Is your project original?
  • If the project is novel and risky, are you likely to be able to satisfy the assessment criteria in other ways?
  • Are the project outcomes non-obvious?
  • Will you be able to complete the project in around ten hours?
  • Can you show that the scientific context for your project is clear, valid and supported by your background research?
  • Have you carried out a risk assessment to identify potential health and safety issues?
  • Is the project feasible on ethical grounds? (it cannot involve any animal experimentation for example)
  • What are the main apparatus, skills and techniques required?
  • Are the required apparatus and chemicals available and not too expensive?
  • Do you need to learn any new experimental techniques to carry out your project?
  • Will the project generate data that you can analyse and present in your report?
  • Will you need to use secondary data?
  • Can you demonstrate maths and graphing skills in your report?
  • What are your main experimental errors and how can you plan for these?
  • How will you ensure your results are reliable?
  • How will you ensure fair-testing?

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Top 75 chemistry research topics for your paper.

October 10, 2019

Are you looking for the best chemistry research topics on the Internet? We are happy to tell you that you have arrived at the right place. Even though our topics are public and anyone can use them, we are doing our best to keep this list as fresh as possible. However, if you are worried about the originality of your next chemistry research paper topics, we have a great tip on how to find 100% original topics.

Chemistry Research Topics

In this post, we will be discussing why you need interesting chemistry topics for research projects. We will also show you how to find many more topics. Of course, because we are all about helping the student, we will give you 75 interesting chemistry topics to research. You are free to use these topics as you see fit. This means you are allowed to reword them in any way.

The Truth About Chemistry Research Paper Topics

Let’s start with the beginning. Why would you want to find the most interesting chemistry research topics? You are probably well aware that professors are looking carefully at each topic they see. In most cases, students write about the same old topics. And truth be told, teachers are tired and bored of reading the same thing over and over again. This is why, when the professor sees a new topic, he instantly becomes interesting. And an interested academic is much more likely to award your hard work with a top grade. This is why we consider chemistry topics for research papers to be so important.

Finding Awesome Chemistry Topics for Research Papers

When you are looking for chemistry topics for research project, you may be tempted to turn to Google and to the myriad of websites on it. But this is not the best approach. In the beginning of the post, we promised you the best way to get 100% original topics, and we will keep our word. The best way to get research paper topics chemistry professors will be really interested in is to work with a professional. In other words, you should contact an academic writer and ask for a chemistry research topics list. Yes, it will cost you a couple bucks, but this money is well spent. You will get a list of topics that none of your peers has access to. The best way to find a reliable academic writer who will deliver on his promises is to contact an academic writing company. There are several reliable ones on the Internet, of course.

The Best 75 Chemistry Topics for Research

Looking for chemistry research topics high school teachers would love to read about? Are you a college student or an undergrad who is looking for fresh chemistry topics to research? Regardless what you need these topics for, we are here to help! We have asked our experienced chemistry writers to compile a list of the best chemistry topics; chemistry topics that they would recommend to their clients.

Organic Chemistry Research Topics

Of course, no list would be complete without organic chemistry research topics. Organic chemistry is a huge area of chemistry, so there are plenty of things to talk about. Also, new research is being done all the time, so you can easily find fresh ideas and information. Here are some of our best ideas:

  • The types of isomerism in organic compounds.
  • What are nucleophiles?
  • What are aniline dyes?
  • The stability of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)
  • Describe what an oil is.
  • How is hydrocarbon fuel produced?
  • What are electrophiles?
  • Describe phenol as an acid.
  • How are globular proteins formed?
  • What is an organosilicon compound?
  • How dangerous is snow pollution?

Chemistry Research Topics for High School

We have some of the best chemistry research paper topics for high school students on the Internet. These topics are not very difficult and you can easily find plenty of information online. This means that you can write an essay on any of the following topics in as little as 2 hours:

  • Analyzing the PH effect on plants.
  • How are pearls created?
  • Growing artificial diamonds.
  • How to optimize the brewing of tea?
  • How do we detect heavy metals in plants?
  • Analyzing the air we breathe.
  • The dangers of using petroleum products.
  • Natural versus synthetic detergents.
  • Explain barium toxicity.
  • How can indoor plants benefit from chemistry?
  • How do you clean oil effectively?

Chemistry Research Topics for College

Chemistry research topics for college students are a bit more difficult. After all, college professors expect you to put in a lot more work than a high school student. This doesn’t mean that you can’t write these papers quickly though. Here are some of the best topics we can think of:

  • The hidden dangers of tap water.
  • How did Dmitri Mendeleev discover the Periodic Table?
  • How harmful are electronic cigarettes?
  • Analyzing the water memory effect.
  • What’s in the first aid kit?
  • The effects of carboxylic acids on humans.
  • How can you freeze water fast?
  • Analyzing anti-icing solutions on airports.
  • The classification of chemical reactions.
  • What is a covalent polar bond?
  • How does water purification work?

Inorganic Chemistry Research Topics

Of course, we have to include inorganic chemistry research topics in our list. We can’t have organic topics in here without inorganic topics. There are plenty of topics about inorganic chemistry out there, but we have selected only the best for you:

  • Why is NaCl salty?
  • How are sapphires formed?
  • Explain the Law of Multiple Proportions.
  • Explain the various states of matter.
  • The effect of sulfuric acid on organic material.
  • Why is silicone dioxide used in solar cells?
  • The difference between organic and inorganic compounds.
  • Why is inorganic chemistry important?
  • Discussing Lewis Structures and Electron Dot Models.
  • Explain Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures.

Chemistry Research Topics for Undergraduates

Yes, chemistry research topics for undergraduates are more difficult than those aimed at college students. However, we’ve made sure to only select topics that you can find a lot of information about. In other words, it’s not impossible to write an essay on one of our topics in one day. Here is what we propose:

  • How do we use hydrogen to discover oxygen?
  • How does an allergy develop?
  • What is surface tension? Any applications?
  • Discussing the ionization methods used in the mass spectrometry process.
  • How can one stabilize lithium?
  • What are food dyes really made of?
  • A study of the Lewis Structure.
  • Why is Ibuprofen considered dangerous?
  • Explaining the chemical equilibrium effect.
  • How are nanophotonics used in military applications?

Most Interesting Chemistry Research Topics

You are probably aware that professors really appreciate interesting chemistry research topics. This is precisely why we have compiled a list of interesting topics. These topics can be picked by both high school students and college students. Some of these topics can even be picked by undergrads:

  • How does photocatalysis work in 3D printers?
  • Who was Fritz Haber?
  • What are nanoreactors in chemistry?
  • Why do glow sticks glow?
  • What is Californium?
  • Why does the Sun burn without the need for oxygen?
  • How do you freeze air?
  • Why is there Sodium Azide in car airbags?
  • How is dry ice made?
  • What is the color of oxygen?

Easy Chemistry Topics

At the very end of our list, you can find the easy chemistry topics. These are perfect for when you need to write an essay quickly (usually in less than an hour). You don’t want to do a lot of research and you want to find all the relevant information with a single Google search. These are the topics for you:

  • Why does water expand upon freezing?
  • What are pesticides made of?
  • How are batteries made?
  • Describe a thermoelectric material.
  • How can we avoid pesticides?
  • How do synthetic molecules replicate?
  • What are the implications of the Thermodynamics Laws?
  • What is cholesterol?
  • How do vitamins act in the human body?
  • Why is aspirin a pain killer?
  • What are steroids?
  • The process of recycling plastics.

Many students have asked us if simply finding chemistry research topics is enough to get an A or an A+. Sadly, the answer is “No.” Your professor will award you some bonus points for an original, interesting topic. However, if you don’t write in the proper academic format, or if you make serious errors, you will get a low grade. This is why we always tell our readers to learn as much as possible about academic paper writing.

For a chemistry paper, the first thing you should do is read about the five paragraph essay structure. It will get you out of a lot of problems, guaranteed. After you know how to write the paper correctly, pick one of our topics and start writing. Good luck!

It’s time to nail your grades! Get your 20% discount on a chemistry writing assignment with promo “ ewriting20 ” – and enjoy your college life!

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  • 10 Research Question Examples to Guide Your Research Project

10 Research Question Examples to Guide your Research Project

Published on October 30, 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on October 19, 2023.

The research question is one of the most important parts of your research paper , thesis or dissertation . It’s important to spend some time assessing and refining your question before you get started.

The exact form of your question will depend on a few things, such as the length of your project, the type of research you’re conducting, the topic , and the research problem . However, all research questions should be focused, specific, and relevant to a timely social or scholarly issue.

Once you’ve read our guide on how to write a research question , you can use these examples to craft your own.

Research question Explanation
The first question is not enough. The second question is more , using .
Starting with “why” often means that your question is not enough: there are too many possible answers. By targeting just one aspect of the problem, the second question offers a clear path for research.
The first question is too broad and subjective: there’s no clear criteria for what counts as “better.” The second question is much more . It uses clearly defined terms and narrows its focus to a specific population.
It is generally not for academic research to answer broad normative questions. The second question is more specific, aiming to gain an understanding of possible solutions in order to make informed recommendations.
The first question is too simple: it can be answered with a simple yes or no. The second question is , requiring in-depth investigation and the development of an original argument.
The first question is too broad and not very . The second question identifies an underexplored aspect of the topic that requires investigation of various  to answer.
The first question is not enough: it tries to address two different (the quality of sexual health services and LGBT support services). Even though the two issues are related, it’s not clear how the research will bring them together. The second integrates the two problems into one focused, specific question.
The first question is too simple, asking for a straightforward fact that can be easily found online. The second is a more question that requires and detailed discussion to answer.
? dealt with the theme of racism through casting, staging, and allusion to contemporary events? The first question is not  — it would be very difficult to contribute anything new. The second question takes a specific angle to make an original argument, and has more relevance to current social concerns and debates.
The first question asks for a ready-made solution, and is not . The second question is a clearer comparative question, but note that it may not be practically . For a smaller research project or thesis, it could be narrowed down further to focus on the effectiveness of drunk driving laws in just one or two countries.

Note that the design of your research question can depend on what method you are pursuing. Here are a few options for qualitative, quantitative, and statistical research questions.

Type of research Example question
Qualitative research question
Quantitative research question
Statistical research question

Other interesting articles

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

  • Sampling methods
  • Simple random sampling
  • Stratified sampling
  • Cluster sampling
  • Likert scales
  • Reproducibility

 Statistics

  • Null hypothesis
  • Statistical power
  • Probability distribution
  • Effect size
  • Poisson distribution

Research bias

  • Optimism bias
  • Cognitive bias
  • Implicit bias
  • Hawthorne effect
  • Anchoring bias
  • Explicit bias

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McCombes, S. (2023, October 19). 10 Research Question Examples to Guide your Research Project. Scribbr. Retrieved August 30, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-question-examples/

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  • ACS Publications

10 Hot Topics in Chemistry So Far in 2023

  • Apr 25, 2023

Here, we bring you a selection of hot topics published in ACS journals so far this year, spanning a wide range of subject areas from authors around the world. From algae to wearable devices, this collection features fascinating innovations for everyone to enjoy.

Strong electrostatic repulsion provided by the rock salt/spinel phase formed on the surface of cycled cathode

Tobacco: Chemistry, Mechanisms, and Disease Prevention

50 years ago, scientists first identified N ′-nitrosonornicotine, the tobacco-specific carcinogen found in both cigarette smoke and smokeless tobacco products. The tobacco industry has evolved tremendously since then, but there is still much to be understood about the root causes of certain cancers associated with prolonged tobacco use. Additionally, the rise of e-cigarettes and other tobacco-free products presents a need for further investigations into the potential toxicity of and damage from various vaping mechanisms. This collection of papers from Chemical Research in Toxicology highlights key advances across a broad array of topics on tobacco products, e-cigarettes, disease prevention, and more.

Photograph of steve hecht with information about the tobacco virtual issue

Special Issue: Tobacco - Chemistry, Mechanisms, Biomarkers and Disease Prevention

All about algae.

Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW) is a community-based program of ACS. This year, CCEW’s theme was “The Curious Chemistry of Amazing Algae.” These amazing organisms are emerging as a potential sustainable source of food and biofuels, as well as bioplastics and other co-products. Part of the attraction is that they exist in large numbers, and they have a variety of characteristics depending on where and how they grow. Critically, algae have evolved to produce and store energy—a skill which they perform more efficiently than any other known natural or engineered process. This Virtual Issue brings together articles from 20 different journals, covering a variety of topics such as algal uses in hydrogels, wastewater treatment, bioplastics, fuel production, and batteries—as well as ways to control harmful algal blooms in the wild.

Digital illustration of blue and green algae underwater

Chemists Celebrate Earth Week: The Curious Chemistry of Amazing Algae

Gaining insight into parkinson’s disease.

World Parkinson’s Day is held each year on April 11 to raise awareness of this progressive neurological disease, which affects approximately 1% of people aged 65 and older and 4–5% of those over the age of 85. But due to its complex etiology, the underlying pathogenesis of Parkinson’s is not fully understood. As such, there remains a desperate need for research into both causes and possible cures. A recent collection of articles highlights significant contributions reported in ACS journals. In addition to various pharmaceutical options being explored, research is also underway to improve the performance of sensors and develop new protocols for detecting neurotransmitters, which could help speed diagnosis and support monitoring.

Digital illustration of a brain with a lightning bolt in the middle on top of a global map

World Parkinson’s Day

A second skin: the world of wearables.

The idea of sensors for health detecting naturally takes us to wearables. Wearables go far beyond fitness trackers, with devices now including patches, tattoos, fabrics, and contact lenses. The embedded technology spans multiple disciplines, which together are redefining what can be done with wearable sensors. ACS Sensors brings together 29 publications that showcase the interdisciplinary nature of this exciting field, bringing together engineering, materials, spectroscopy, data science, physics, medicine, and more—which could pave the way for dramatic advances in both health diagnosis and monitoring.

Digital illustrations of blue and yellow synapses

Lessons Learned: Post-Pandemic Teaching Strategies

In 2020, the Journal of Chemical Education published a Special Issue around educational insights gained during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, in 2023, this new Virtual Special Issue on the same topic in the time after COVID offers more data-driven assessments of changes made in the chemistry education community as a result of the pandemic. Widespread lockdowns forced people to find novel solutions in many spheres of life, including redefining “the classroom.” Educators used a variety of platforms to share remote learning, and hybrid teaching environments evolved into the new normal. This collection looks at teaching innovations and student learning in the field of chemistry, showcasing how the pandemic has shaped new ways of working—from remote laboratory methods to student engagement and technical tools.

rearview car mirror with "COVID-19 Teaching Changes?" reflected backwards

Teaching Changes and Insights Gained in the Time after COVID-19

Hot articles in inorganic/organic chemistry.

Look, it’s a hot topics collection within a hot topics collection! This next list includes 58 Editors' Choice articles spanning ACS Publications’ core organic and inorganic journals. These editor-curated articles showcase innovative thinking in a variety of areas, including synthetic methodology, coordination, main-group chemistry, catalysis, energy research, medical science, and theoretical and computational chemistry. The ACS Editors' Choice designation is designed to highlight important new findings, which are free to read for a limited time.

Blue and purple word cloud with various organic and inorganic chemistry terms

Hot Articles from the ACS Organic/Inorganic Journal Portfolio: 2022 Editors' Choice

Research excellence from latin america.

Join us now as we take you on a brief world tour of cutting-edge work from three key geographic regions. First, let’s take a closer look at research from Latin America . Over the past 100 years, ACS has published more than 26,000 articles from Latin American scientists spanning almost all fields of chemistry—and discovery and innovation in Latin America continues to thrive today. This Virtual Issue from ACS Omega is fully open access and features 35 papers on key frontier topics.

Regional map of Latin America

Excellence in Agricultural Research from India

Next, we travel to India, where another Virtual Issue from ACS Agricultural Science & Technology  and  Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry highlights regional contributions to the boundaries of agricultural research. Topics covered include plant science and biotechnology, crop protection, sustainable agriculture, and precision farming—as well as less obvious disciplines such as nanomaterials, which could play a role in making agriculture more sustainable.

image of a green crop plant

Highlighting Excellence in Agricultural Research from India

Emerging trends in molecular pharmaceutics across australasia.

The third and final stop on our world tour is Australasia , with a collection of exciting research on emerging trends in the pharmaceutical sciences. The papers, all published in Molecular Pharmaceutics , highlight the high-quality work led by researchers in both academia and industry across Australia and New Zealand. This includes a wide range of advanced drug delivery research areas, including nanotechnology, biomaterials, biodegradable polymers, and drug targeting. This collection presents novel innovations with the potential to translate into new treatment paradigms and options for people around the globe.

Map featuring Australia and New Zealand

Mastering the Art of Scientific Publication (Part 2)

And finally, for anyone wanting to get their own work published (and perhaps find it included in a future Virtual Issue), we draw your attention to a collection of recent editorials that offer tips and best practices for composing a well-balanced scientific article, preparing an effective manuscript, and increasing your likelihood of getting your work accepted for publication. Just getting started? Be sure to check out Part 1 as well.

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Mastering the Art of Scientific Publication − Part II

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Super-fast setting sticky polymers can suture tricky internal wounds

Tim Wogan

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Sustainable, non-toxic polymers that set in seconds could be used to seal wounds inside the human body during surgery, researchers in the US believe. The materials, which can be produced from renewable resources and readily recycled, could potentially have broader uses as adhesives in everything from sticky notes to load-bearing structural materials.

Superglue

Source: © Shutterstock

Superglue or cyanoacrylate is the standard adhesive used to close wounds but it is brittle, slightly cytotoxic and slow to break down in the body. These disadvantages mean there’s still a need for better tissue adhesives

α-lipoic acid is produced by many plants and animals, and it has been documented undergoing ring-opening polymerisation reactions. In theory, this could provide a renewable source for non-toxic polymers. Unfortunately, the resulting polymers have been prone to spontaneous depolymerisation. Researchers have sought to stabilise poly(α-lipoic acid) sufficiently to form useful materials, but success has been limited by an active radical at the end of the chain.

Phillip Messersmith and colleagues at the University of California, Berkeley reasoned that incorporating an electrophile would reduce the reactivity of this radical and stabilise the polymer. In the new work, they produced two N -hydroxy succinimide esters of α-lipoic acid and dissolved them in ethanol with α-lipoic acid itself. When added to water, this formed a stable, elastomeric, self-healing adhesive polymer within seconds.

The researchers tested this material as a tissue adhesive. The current medical adhesive of choice is usually cyanoacrylate, better known as superglue, but this is unsuitable for closing internal surgical cuts as it is slightly cytotoxic, brittle and slow to decompose. The researchers tested their material for preventing rupture of the amniotic sac of mice when punctured, as is sometimes required for repairing foetal abnormalities. The researchers found that, when they punctured amniotic sacs through patches in their polymer, the patches self-healed around the puncture site and all the foetuses survived to term. Foetuses whose sacs were simply punctured all died. ‘We are actively pursuing other uses for this polymer as a surgical adhesive in my academic lab and in a startup company we have formed to move this towards commercial use,’ says Messersmith.

The researchers also showed that their material, once cured, formed a pressure-sensitive visco-elastic polymer that could be used in adhesive tapes and sticky notes. Unlike other adhesives used for the purpose, the poly(α-lipoic acid)-based adhesive worked almost as well when wet as when dry. Moreover, when the researchers added a divalent salt of α-lipoic acid to the monomer, the polymer became a rigid, crosslinked thermoset at least as strong as industrial epoxies. The material could be depolymerised, however, simply by heating in alkali.

Messersmith acknowledges that large-scale industrial use will require more widely available and cheap renewable α-lipoic acid, but he notes that ‘many decades ago styrene was considered an exotic monomer’.

Biomedical engineer Mark Grinstaff at Boston University in the US is impressed. ‘What’s really unique about this paper is that there’s this system that’s been known to polymerise for some time, but it wasn’t very useful,’ he says. ‘What Messersmith was able to do was to identify critical aspects of its chemical structure, to make changes to it such that it is now able to be polymerised, be processed and used as a functional material, but still retain the degradation properties.’ He predicts that the biggest impact will be in medicine. ‘The recycling aspects will become important if this really gets scaled up and starts to become a widely used consumer product,’ he says.

S Pal et al , Science , 2024, 385 , 877 (DOI: 10.1126/science.ado6292 )

Tim Wogan

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Researchers uncover magnesium’s crucial role in cellular energy production

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An international research team led by Umeå professor Magnus Wolf-Watz has discovered how the magnesium atom directs the chemistry that catalyzes the production of the energy molecule ATP in a cell. ATP is a vital driving force in the cell. The study is published in the journal Science Advances.

Our discovery can have a wide impact for understanding a variety of biological processes because the ATP molecule is involved in everything from muscle work and transport in and out of cells to bacterial infections." Magnus Wolf-Watz, Professor, Department of Chemistry, Umeå University

For biological life to exist at all, cells are in constant need of continuous and large access to their fuel and signaling molecule, ATP. One of the biochemical systems that produces ATP is the essential enzyme adenylate kinase, which catalyzes the production of ATP from the building blocks ADP and AMP.

The enzyme is dependent on the metal magnesium to be able to produce large amounts of ATP. It is already known that magnesium catalyzes the chemical reactions of the ATP molecule through electrostatic effects, but this is not enough for the chemical reactions involving ATP to go fast enough. Speed ​​is extremely important.

Now, an international research team led by Magnus Wolf-Watz at the Department of Chemistry at Umeå University has developed a method to find out previously unknown aspects of magnesium's influence on the ATP molecule.

For the chemical reaction that forms ATP to take place, the building blocks AMP and ADP must be placed in precise geometry relative to each other in the active site of the enzyme adenylate kinase. The research team discovered that the reaction takes place optimally when the magnesium atom turns an angle in the molecules so that they end up in just the right configuration.

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"The result is astonishing! It shows that very small differences in molecules can give rise to a dramatic catalytic effect. Now we know exactly how magnesium speeds up the chemistry for forming the cell's energy molecule ATP," says Magnus Wolf-Watz.

The changes in angle could be observed through crystallographic structures that were produced experimentally by Elisabeth Sauer-Eriksson, professor at the Department of Chemistry at Umeå University.

The researchers took it one step further. Using computational chemistry in Kwangho Nam's lab at the University of Texas at Arlington, they were able to show that the changes in the angles were linked to larger changes in the enzyme's structure. This connection is a long-sought link between the structure of enzymes and their catalytic effect.

The research was carried out in collaboration between Umeå University and the University of Texas and Konstanz University. At Umeå University, the research infrastructure for NMR was used, which was financed, among others, by the Kempestiftelserna.

Umea University

Nam, K., et al . (2024) Magnesium induced structural reorganization in the active site of adenylate kinase.  Science Advances.  doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ado5504 .

Posted in: Cell Biology | Biochemistry

Tags: Cell , chemical reaction , Enzyme , Kinase , Magnesium , Molecule , Muscle , Research

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