Professor Rachel Smith (she/her)

BEng (Hons), PhD

School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering

Professor of Particulate Manufacturing

School Research Impact Lead

Dr Rachel Smith smiling in the Engineering Heartspace
Profile picture of Dr Rachel Smith smiling in the Engineering Heartspace
rachel.smith@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 8255
Room F55, Sir Robert Hadfield Building

Full contact details

Professor Rachel Smith
School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering
Room F55
Sir Robert Hadfield Building
Mappin Street
Sheffield
S1 3JD
Profile

I am Professor of Particulate Manufacturing in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield, where I lead a large, active manufacturing research group. 

My research spans manufacture of lithium-ion battery electrodes, pharmaceuticals, agrichemicals and foods, and uses a wide range of modelling tools and experimental techniques. 

My research strength is studying and quantifying dynamic inter-particle and particle-fluid interactions, and using this knowledge to develop insight, computational models, design tools and new processes for advanced manufacture of formulated products. 

Research interests

I have active research projects spanning a wide range of industrial applications: wet and dry electrode manufacture for lithium-ion batteries, thin and thick film manufacture, physical systems pharmaceutical manufacturing, wet granulation, drying processes and food manufacturing.

Key research interests: 

  • New methods for dry electrode manufacture
  • Measuring and controlling electrode microstructure generation
  • Manufacturing processes for: lithium-ion electrodes, pharmaceutical manufacture, food processing and consumer products
  • Particle and powder characterisation
  • Experimental and computational techniques
Publications

Journal articles

  • Lian GJ, Verma P, Cumming D & Smith RM (2025) . Journal of Power Sources, 659.
  • Gnanenthiran S, Hewitt C, Rao P, Pitt K, Litster J & Smith R (2025) . Powder Technology, 466.
  • Mustoe CL, Turner AJ, Urwin SJ, Houson I, Feilden H, Markl D, Al Qaraghuli MM, Chong MWS, Robertson M, Nordon A , Johnston BF et al (2025) . International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 681.
  • Pardikar K, Capindale J, Pitt K, Abdi-Rahman I, Cumming D & Smith R (2025) . Powder Technology, 454.
  • Parker J, Smith R & Cumming D (2024) . The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 128(49).
  • Bala N, Corrigan J, Ahmed B, Meyer J, Schongut M, Doshi P, Iyer K, Lee K, Rowland M, Litster JD , Dawson N et al (2024) . International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 664, 124624-124624.
  • Pitt K, Tew JD, Ahmed B, Brown C, Houson I, Robertson AL, Girard KP, Quon JL, Litster JD & Smith RM (2024) . Powder Technology, 445.
  • Bala N, Corrigan J, Meyer J, Schongut M, Doshi P, Iyer K, Lee K, Rowland M, Litster JD, Dawson N & Smith RM (2024) . International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 659.
  • Hare C, Hadinoto K, Das S & Smith R (2024) . Frontiers in Chemical Engineering, 6.
  • Brown CJ, McGinty J, Islam MT, Rajoub N, Arjmandi-Tash O, Ottoboni S, Shahid M, Urwin SJ, Lee YS, Chong MWS , Papathanasiou F et al (2024) . Journal of Pharmaceutical Innovation, 19.
  • Lu X, Lian GJ, Parker J, Ge R, Sadan MK, Smith RM & Cumming D (2024) . Journal of Power Sources, 592.
  • Sadan MK, Lian GJ, Smith RM & Cumming D (2023) . ACS Applied Energy Materials, 6(24), 12166-12171.
  • Tew JD, Pitt K, Smith R & Litster JD (2023) . Powder Technology, 430.
  • Lu X, Lian GJ, Ge R, Parker J, Sadan MK, Smith R & Cumming D (2023) . Energy Technology, 11(10).
  • Ge R, Boyce AM, Sun Y, Shearing PR, Grant PS, Cumming DJ & Smith RM (2023) . ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 15(23), 27809-27820.
  • Ge R, Boyce AM, Shui Zhang Y, Shearing PR, Cumming DJ & Smith RM (2023) . Chemical Engineering Journal, 465.
  • Pardikar K, Entwistle J, Ge R, Cumming D & Smith R (2023) . Journal of Physics: Energy, 5(2).
  • Qu S, Hadjittofis E, Malaret F, Hallett J, Smith R & Campbell KS (2023) . Nanoscale Advances, 5(9), 2437-2452.
  • Ahmed B, Arjmandi-Tash O, Litster JD & Smith RM (2023) . Powder Technology, 417.
  • Wang LG, Litster JD & Smith RM (2023) . Chemical Engineering Science, 268, 118397-118397.
  • Grant PS, Greenwood D, Pardikar K, Smith R, Entwistle T, Middlemiss LA, Murray G, Cussen SA, Lain MJ, Capener MJ , Copley M et al (2022) . Journal of Physics: Energy, 4(4).
  • Entwistle J, Ge R, Pardikar K, Smith R & Cumming D (2022) . Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 166.
  • Ge R, Cumming DJ & Smith RM (2022) . Powder Technology, 403.
  • de Koster SAL, liu LX, Litster J & Smith RM (2021) . Advanced Powder Technology, 32(5), 1390-1398.
  • Hu K, Reed D, Robshaw TJ, Smith RM & Ogden MD (2021) . Journal of Hazardous Materials, 401.
  • Farber L, Al-aaraj DK, Smith R & Gentzler M (2020) . Chemical Engineering Science, 227.
  • Aldakheel F, Ismail MS, Hughes KJ, Ingham DB, Ma L, Pourkashanian M, Cumming D & Smith R (2020) . Renewable Energy, 151, 1082-1091.
  • Arjmandi-Tash O, Tew JD, Pitt K, Smith R & Litster JD (2019) . Chemical Engineering Science: X, 4.
  • Arjmandi-Tash O, Tew JD, Pitt K, Smith R & Litster JD (2019) . Chemical Engineering Science.
  • de Koster SAL & Smith RM (2019) . Powder Technology, 355, 514-525.
  • Yusof N, Green J, Pitt K, Arjmandi-Tash O, Campbell AI, Ahmadian H, Tantawy H & Smith R (2019) . Powder Technology, 351, 102-114.
  • Pitt K, Smith RM, de Koster SAL, Litster JD & Hounslow MJ (2018) . Powder Technology, 335, 62-69.
  • Pitt K, Peña R, Tew JD, Pal K, Smith R, Nagy ZK & Litster JD (2018) . Powder Technology, 326, 327-343.
  • Ireland E, Pitt K & Smith R (2016) . Powder Technology, 292, 108-121.
  • Wesley DJ, Smith RM, Zimmerman WB & Howse JR (2016) . Langmuir, 32(5), 1269-1278.
  • Kariuki WIJ, Freireich B, Smith RM, Rhodes M & Hapgood KP (2013) . Chemical Engineering Science, 92, 134-145.
  • Smith RM & Litster JD (2012) . Powder Technology, 224, 189-195.
  • Smith RM & Litster JD (2012) Examining the failure modes of wet granular materials using dynamic diametrical compression. Powder Technology.
  • Smith RM, Liu LX & Litster JD (2010) . CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE, 65(21), 5651-5657.
  • Liu LX, Smith R & Litster JD (2009) . POWDER TECHNOLOGY, 189(2), 158-164.
  • Hapgood KP, Litster JD & Smith R (2003) . AICHE JOURNAL, 49(2), 350-361.
  • Rennie AJ, Martins VL, Smith RM & Hall PJ () . Scientific Reports, 6.
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Book chapters

  • Emady H, Hapgood K & Smith R (2016) , Particle Technology Series (pp. 107-136). Springer International Publishing
  • (2016) In Merkus HG & Meesters GMH (Ed.) Springer International Publishing
  • Hapgood KP & Smith RM (2015) (pp. 153-182). Wiley
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Conference proceedings

  • Pitt K, Smith RM, Hounslow MJ & Litster JD (2015) Kinetics of immersion nucleation driven by surface tension.. 7th International Granulation Workshop. Sheffield, UK, 1 July 2015 - 3 July 2015.
  • Wang M, Shepherd WJ, Smith R & Jensen H (2015) The effect of pipe diameter on hydrogen sulfide build-up in rising mains – model study. Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Urban Drainage Modelling. Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec, Canada, 20 September 2015 - 20 September 2015.
  • Smith RM, Davis NJ & Litster JD (2015) Predicting local shear in powder flow using DEM. 7th International Granulation Workshop. Sheffield, UK, 1 July 2015 - 3 July 2015.
  • Smith RA, DiFiore SJ & Brett CR (2015) Bring It Down Slowly: Controlled Demolition of a Deteriorated Suspended-Concrete Ceiling above an Active Urban Highway. Structures Congress 2015 (pp 2044-2054)
  • Kariuki WIJ, Smith RM, Rhodes M & Hapgood KP (2011) Prediction of particle liquid coverage in fluid bed granulation. 5th International Granulation Workshop. Lausanne, Switzerland, 20 June 2011 - 22 June 2011.
  • Smith R, Calvert G, Hassanpour A, Hare C, Feng Y, Rhodes M, Hapgood KP & Ghadiri M (2011) Simulation of liquid binder distribution in fluidised bed granulation using the particle coating number. 5th International Granulation Workshop. Lausanne, Switzerland, 20 June 2011 - 22 June 2011.
  • McCormick BP, Snethen G & Smith RL (2011) EXAMINING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG PEOPLE WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA. 6TH INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE ON KINESIOLOGY: INTEGRATIVE POWER OF KINESIOLOGY (pp 73-76)
  • Smith R, Calvert G, Hassanpour A, Hare C, Feng Y, Hapgood KP & Ghadiri M (2010) Investigation of liquid distribution in fluidised bed granulation using a single particle surface coverage fraction. Chemeca. Adelaide, Australia, 26 September 2010 - 29 September 2010.
  • Kariuki WIJ, Smith R, Rhodes M & Hapgood KP (2010) Prediction of liquid coverage in fluid bed granulation. Chemeca. Adelaide, Australia, 26 September 2010 - 29 September 2010.
  • Smith R, Calvert G, Hassanpour A, Hare C, Feng Y, Rhodes M, Hapgood KP & Ghadiri M (2010) Computational study of liquid distribution in an air fluidised bed using a single particle surface coverage. 6th World Congress on Particle Technology. Nuremberg, Germany, 26 April 2010 - 29 April 2010.
  • Smith R, Liu LX & Litster JD (2009) Breakage of drop nucleated granules in a breakage only high shear mixer. 9th International Symposium on Agglomeration. Sheffield, UK, 24 June 2009 - 26 June 2009.
  • Smith R, Litster JD & Page NW (2009) Diametrical compression of wet granular materials. 9th International Symposium on Agglomeration. Sheffield, UK, 24 June 2009 - 26 June 2009.
  • BEVAN DR, DSOUZA L, ROUSE JM, CALDWELL J, DRING G & SMITH RL (1980) CLINICAL PHARMACOKINETICS OF FAZADINIUM BROMIDE IN RENAL-FAILURE IN MAN. ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA, Vol. 59(7) (pp 529-530)
  • Smith R, Calvert G, Hassanpour A, Hare C, Feng Y, Rhodes M, Hapgood KP & Ghadiri M () Numerical investigation of liquid binder distribution in fluidized bed granulation using the single particle spray flux. Particulate Processes in the Pharmaceutical Industry III. Gold Coast, Australia, 24 July 2011 - 29 July 2011.
  • Smith R & Litster JD () Wet granule breakage in the breakage only granulator. International Fine Particles Research Institute Meeting. Perth, Australia, 8 July 2007 - 11 July 2007.
  • Litster JD, Smith R, Liu LX, Suhairi NN & Page NW () Studies of wet granule breakage in a laboratory scale breakage only granulator. PARTEC. Nuremberg, Germany, 27 March 2007 - 29 March 2007.
  • Litster JD, Smith R & Page NW () Wet granule breakage in high shear mixer granulation. Fifth World Congress on Particle Technology. Florida USA, 23 April 2006 - 27 April 2006.
  • Litster JD, Smith R & Page NW () Dynamic mechanical properties of partially saturated granules. Fifth World Congress on Particle Technology. Florida USA, 23 April 2006 - 27 April 2006.
  • Smith R, Litster JD & Iveson SM () Wet granule breakage in pharmaceutical granulators. Particle Science Summer School in Winter. Florida USA, January 2003 - January 2003.
  • Smith R, Hapgood KP & Litster JD () Mechanical dispersion regime in high shear mixer granulators. 6th World Congress on Chemical Engineering. Sydney, Australia, 23 September 2001 - 27 September 2001.
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Presentations

  • Yusof NB, Pitt KE, Green J, Campbell AI, Ahmadian H, Gupta P, Greener S & Smith RM A novel method for the analysis of particle coating behaviour via contact spreading in a tumbling drum. AIChE Annual Meeting 2016.
  • Al-aaraj DKA, Litster JD & Smith RM An investigation into growth of non-wetting system in high shear granulation. AIChE Annual Meeting 2016.
  • Yusof NB, Pitt KE, Green J, Campbell A, Ahmadian H, Gupta P, Greener S & Smith RM A novel method for the analysis of particle coating behaviour via contact spreading in a tumbling drum. Joint IFPRI Robert Pfeffer Symposium & UK Particle Technology Forum.
  • Al-aaraj DKA, Litster JD & Smith RM An Investigation into growth of non-wetting system in high shear granulation. Joint IFPRI Robert Pfeffer Symposium & UK Particle Technology Forum.
  • Mohd Yusoff SN, Biggs CA & Smith RM Breakage behavior of flocs at different shear rates. Joint IFPRI Robert Pfeffer Symposium & UK Particle Technology Forum.
  • Shamsudin ISB & Smith RM Modelling of collision of two spherical particles and a single particle with a wall in normal direction through Discrete Element Method modelling as a preliminary study of granule breakage in a high shear mixer. Joint IFPRI Robert Pfeffer Symposium & UK Particle Technology Forum.
  • Alhabeshi LGA & Smith RM Wet granulation: an investigation into distribution nucleation using particle coating number. Joint IFPRI Robert Pfeffer Symposium & UK Particle Technology Forum.
  • Green J, Pitt K, Ahmadian H, Greener S, Gupta P & Smith RM Spray coating of powders and liquid contact transfer: prediction and scale-up. Joint IFPRI Robert Pfeffer Symposium & UK Particle Technology Forum.
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Preprints

  • Lu X, Lian G, Parker J, Ge R, Sadan M, Smith R & Cumming DJ (2023) , Elsevier BV.
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Teaching interests

I endeavour to provide research lead teaching, and am keen to continue to include our cutting edge research in our course content.

Teaching activities

I currently teach the Chemical Engineering Design Project, the Chemcial Engineering Research project, and the 4th year Particle Design and Processing module.

Professional activities and memberships
  • AIChE Member and Area Chair, Particle Technology Forum
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)
  • Editorial Board Member, European/African Board of KONA Powder and Particle Journal

Links