Interfacial Chemistry
The Interfacial Chemistry Team undertakes.JPG)
research into the physical
chemistry which occurs uniquely at interfaces found in natural systems and those engineered or grown to provide environments with specific properties. The research spans traditional boundaries drawing together experts in surface science, heterogeneous catalysis, electrochemistry and biophysics supported by first principles modelling. Typical systems currently investigated are biomolecular building blocks (especially amino acids) adsorbed at surfaces and interfaces; enantioselective heterogeneous catalysis at gas-surface and liquid-surface interfaces; growth and properties of ultra-thin films; transition metal oxide surface chemistry; the interaction of water with solid surfaces; templating of nanomaterials growth by exploitation of novel self assembled 2D and 3D phases; and the structure and self-assembly of proteins (e.g. fibrillar structures). Our future research will deepen our interactions and further exploit the overlap of interests. For example we intend to develop research that extends the precise tools of surface science from ultra-high vacuum to ambient pressure enabling the study of liquid water rather than ices, opening a new field of research into the interaction of hydrated biomolecules with surfaces using high precision surface and interface sensitive techniques. The interaction of individual biomolecules with relevant interfaces such as hydrophobic materials and lipid layers will be quantified by combining in-situ scanning probe imaging, statistical physics, vibrational spectroscopy and x-ray and neutron scattering. All members of the team employ synchrotron radiation and central facilities research in aspects of their work and hence the Diamond synchrotron is a key resource.
TEAM MEMBERS:
OTHER LINKS:
Diamond Surfaces and Interfaces Village