Neutron scattering from a surfactant surface
Neutron scattering from a surfactant surface		 Physical and
Theoretical Chemistry

The Physical and Theoretical Section of the School of Chemistry encompasses a very wide range of research interests. These activities partition very loosely into two main sub-groupings, covering broad areas of Molecular Science and of Colloid and Condensed Phase Science, all of which build on the longstanding strength of the School as a leading international centre for physical and theoretical chemistry. Research seminars by invited external speakers are also held regularly.

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Molecular Science Group

Research within the Molecular Science Group sub-divides into several broad, and overlapping, subject areas.

Laser Chemistry (Professors Ashfold and Dixon, and Drs. Orr-Ewing and Western):

  • gas phase molecular photodissociation dynamics (using high resolution photofragment translational spectroscopy and ion imaging techniques);
  • stereochemical aspects of bimolecular collisions;
  • application of a range of novel laser spectroscopies (including cavity ring down spectroscopy, laser induced fluorescence and multiphoton ionisation spectroscopy) to the detection and characterisation of transient gas phase species and to plasma diagnostics;
  • investigation of plumes accompanying pulsed laser ablation of solid targets;
  • development of a novel, high resolution, broadly tuneable, solid state laser.

Potential Energy Surface for Dissociation of HCO
Potential Energy Surface for
Dissociation of HCO
Modelling the structures of High Tc Superconductors
Modelling the structures of
High Tc Superconductors

Computational Chemistry (Professors Balint-Kurti and Dixon, and Drs. Allan, Harvey and Mulholland):

  • modelling of molecular photodissociation, reactive scattering dynamics, interstellar masers, and combustion processes;
  • materials modelling, free energy simulations at elevated temperatures and/or high pressures, disordered polar solids at high temperatures and solid solutions, electronic structure calculations for transition metal oxides, halides and sulphides;
  • simulations of biologically important enzyme mechanisms and catalysis;
  • Computational study of reaction mechanisms, especially in the fields of gas-phase ion chemistry, transition metal chemistry and chemistry of the atmosphere.

Atmospheric Chemistry (Drs Nickless, Shallcross, Orr-Ewing, Harvey):

  • long term field measurements of CFCs, carbon monoxide, methane and ozone in the ambient atmosphere, and the development of new concentration, chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques for monitoring hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs);
  • modelling of the local (urban), regional and global atmosphere and climate change;
  • laboratory studies of the spectroscopy and photochemistry of atmospherically relevant species.

Ozone hole
The expanding hole
in the ozone layer...
A CVD Diamond Film
An SEM photo of a
CVD diamond film

Diamond and Diamond-like-Carbon (DLC) Film Growth (Prof. Ashfold and Drs. May and Riley):

  • growth of diamond and DLC films by chemical vapour deposition (CVD), RF plasma deposition and pulsed laser ablation, on a wide variety of substrate materials and shapes;
  • studies of gas phase chemistry involved in a variety of diamond CVD environments via molecular beam mass spectrometry, optical probing and complementary modelling;
  • field emission properties of diamond and DLC films;
  • use of diamond coated fibres as reinforcements in metal matrix composites and grinding and polishing applications;
  • preparation of boron-doped diamond electrodes for electrochemical applications.

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Funding Sources

Present or recent past support for these research programmes has been provided by (amongst others) the research councils (EPSRC, BBSRC, NERC and PPARC), Department of Trade and Industry, Leverhulme Trust, European Union, Royal Society, DERA, De Beers, MSI, Silicon Graphics Inc., ICI, English China Clays, British Gas, Oxford Materials, Arima Computer Corp., Spectra-Physics (U.K.) Ltd., Thomas Swan and Co. Ltd.

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Colloid and Condensed Phase Group
(including the Bristol Colloid Centre)

Research within the Colloid and Condensed Phase Group also sub-divides into several overlapping subject areas.

Colloidal Suspensions and Surfactants (Prof. Vincent and Drs. van Duijneveldt, Eastoe, Thompson):

  • Surfactant and Microemulsion research;
  • Novel ("smart") colloidal systems;
  • Interparticle forces and dispersion stability;
  • Particle deposition/"adsorption" on macroscopic surfaces;
  • Phase transitions in colloidal suspensions and liquid crystals;
  • neutron scattering studies of particles, micelles and interfaces.

Polymer Capsules
Polymer Capsules
A polymer
A polymer

Polymers and Surfactant Monolayers at Surfaces (Profs. Cosgrove and Vincent):

  • The role of polymers in dispersion stability;
  • Studies of adsorbed polymer layers by nuclear magnetic resonance, scattering methods and computer simulation.

Physical Electrochemistry (Dr Riley):

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Funding Sources

Present or recent past support for these research programmes has been provided by (amongst others) the research councils (EPSRC, BBSRC and NERC), Department of Trade and Industry, Leverhulme Trust, European Union, Royal Society, DERA, Kodak, Ciba Gigey, Glaxo Wellcome, Astra Zeneca Institut Laue Langevin and ISIS Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

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Collaborations

Collaborative research programmes exist within the Section, with other groups in Chemistry, with colleagues in Biochemistry, Geology, the Interface Analysis Centre, Mechanical Engineering and Physics at Bristol, and with many groups elsewhere in the U.K. and abroad.

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Recent Developments within the Section

Significant developments affecting the Section include:

1. All of the research space occupied by the Physical and Theoretical Section will be refurbished during the next two years following the recent successful bid to the Joint Infrastructure Fund (JIF). This award will also provide substantial funds for new equipment, adding to recent successful bids for instrumentation under JREI and the Research Councils.

2. Recent staff appointments:

3. Recent staff awards:

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Further Enquiries

Enquiries about research and postgraduate study in Physical and Theoretical Chemistry at Bristol are welcomed, in writing or by e-mail, and should be directed either to the Head of Section (Professor B. Vincent) or to the individual staff member (or members) of particular interest. Prospective students are welcome to visit the Section by arrangement in order to meet staff and students, discuss projects and to see the School of Chemistry. Further information on how to apply for a Ph.D., including details of possible funding routes, can be found from the Graduate School web page.

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Staff Research Interests

Professor Brian Vincent (Head of Section)

Professor Mike Ashfold

Professor Richard Dixon

Dr Neil Allan

Professor Gabriel Balint-Kurti

Professor Terence Cosgrove

Dr Peter Cox

Dr Jeroen van Duijneveldt

Dr Julian Eastoe

Dr Jeremy Harvey

Dr Paul May

Dr Adrian Mulholland

Dr Graham Nickless

Dr Andrew Orr-Ewing

Dr Jason Riley

Mr Keith Rosser

Dr Dudley Shallcross

Mr Ken Stewart

Dr Dudley Thompson

Dr Colin Western

Dr Christopher Wormald

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Postgraduate Vacancies

To view the current list of Postgraduate Vacancies in the Department, click here.

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Previous Work in the Section

Information is still available about some of the areas of research which were previously studied in the section, but which we are no longer actively involved in. These are:

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