Computational studies of melting and the solvation properties of ionic liquids. Ionic liquids are used in industry as green solvents and electrolytes, although there is not yet sufficient knowledge on the science of ionic liquids to enable optimal solvents to be readily designed. This project uses state of the art techniques in computational chemistry to solve practical problems related to the characteristics of ionic liquids.
A study of some physical properties of concentrated salt solutions. The foam we see on the sea shore is caused by the effects of salt in seawater and is one example of the unusual properties of water. These effects can be applied to understand and improve several important processes, such as, boiling, desalination and the precipitation of fine particles from concentrated salt solutions.
Hofmeister at work. Implementation of a paradigm shift in physical chemistry. Standard tools of measurement in environmental, industrial, colloid, nano and biosciences rest on classical theories which have been shown to be badly flawed. The faults have been remedied to give a new, predictive and usable foundation that amounts to a paradigm shift of immediate importance to many applications.
Novel water treatment processes. The objective of this project is the discovery of novel methods for the treatment and reuse of water for both industrial and household applications. Improved treatment systems with the potential for water reuse offer significant improvements to our overall water management potential. The first part of the project is designed to focus on the study of hot bubble column evaporators for solute decomposition, sterilisation and the de-watering of heavily contaminated i ....Novel water treatment processes. The objective of this project is the discovery of novel methods for the treatment and reuse of water for both industrial and household applications. Improved treatment systems with the potential for water reuse offer significant improvements to our overall water management potential. The first part of the project is designed to focus on the study of hot bubble column evaporators for solute decomposition, sterilisation and the de-watering of heavily contaminated industrial wastewater. The second part would be based on the study of a suitable depth filter medium for the treatment of partially treated household sewage water. This is designed to form part of an on-site household sewage water treatment and reuse system which is currently being developed.Read moreRead less
Functional Materials from Weakly-Structured Self-Assembly Fluids. This project seeks to understand how mixtures of simple molecules can form complex structured liquids. Such mixtures occur widely both in nature and industrial settings. By using an approach combining new, high-resolution experimental techniques with computer modelling, it is expected that a detailed picture of molecular arrangements in these liquids will be obtained, allowing the relationship between composition, structure and pr ....Functional Materials from Weakly-Structured Self-Assembly Fluids. This project seeks to understand how mixtures of simple molecules can form complex structured liquids. Such mixtures occur widely both in nature and industrial settings. By using an approach combining new, high-resolution experimental techniques with computer modelling, it is expected that a detailed picture of molecular arrangements in these liquids will be obtained, allowing the relationship between composition, structure and properties to be understood for the first time. The new understanding of molecular arrangements within liquids may be used to design new solvents for chemical synthesis and catalysis, new food, personal care and pharmaceutical formulations, and new, smart materials that change their properties under external stimulus.Read moreRead less