(L-R) Mr Kurt Macri, Dr Duncan Wild and Dr Magdalena Wajrak in the new Spectroscopy and Surface Science Research Facility.
Edith Cowan University (ECU)'s School of Science has celebrated the launch of a new, innovative and pioneering research facility, the Spectroscopy and Surface Science Research Facility (SSSRF).
The SSSRF was developed and established by Senior Lecturer, Dr Magdalena Wajrak, Lecturer, Dr Duncan Wild, and Masters student, Mr Kurt Macri from ECU's School of Science.
The SSSRF will enable ECU researchers to conduct cutting-edge fundamental and applied research in the field of atmospheric chemistry using a purpose-built photoelectron spectrometer.
Dr Duncan Wild, who built the photoelectron spectrometer, explains that the instrument will be used to help better understand chemical reactions taking place in the atmosphere.
Dr Magdalena Wajrak said that ECU's photoelectron spectrometer is the only one of its kind in Western Australia.
"This instrument is sensitive enough to probe the intermolecular interactions of atmospheric molecules and by providing deeper insights into atmospheric reactions, this tool will contribute to a greater understanding of the factors driving climate change," Dr Wajrak said.
Dr Duncan Wild showing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clare Pollock and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Caroline Finch the new facility.
The SSSRF will also facilitate research in surface science, a branch of chemistry that studies the behaviour and characteristics of molecules at or near a surface or interface.
Masters student, Mr Kurt Macri said that the surface science component of the facility is impressive in its ability to facilitate research into the development of novel catalysts.
ECU's SSSRF contains two radio frequency (RF) sputtering systems. Sputtering, from the Latin sputare, meaning 'to spit out noisily', is a coating process in which the target surface receives a thin film of sputtered or accelerated metal ions.
"Using RF sputtering systems, we aim to develop novel catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide gas into valuable molecules such as ethylene," Mr Macri said.
"This area of research is both critical and rapidly growing as we strive to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels."
Masters student, Mr Kurt Macri shows Professor Pollock how RF sputtering systems work at the SSSRF launch.
Representing a significant advance for ECU, the SSSFR will contribute to ECU's reputation and ability to conduct world class research and open new local and international collaboration opportunities.
"The research conducted at ECU's SSSRF will offer broad project opportunities in collaboration with researchers from other Schools within ECU, as well as from UWA, Curtin and the University of Bristol in the UK," Dr Wajrak said.
Dr Wajrak, Dr Wild and Mr Macri would like to give a special thank you to Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clare Pollock; Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Professor Caroline Finch; Director of Research Services, Professor Margaret Jones; and from the School of Science: Executive Dean, Professor Marnie Campbell; Associate Dean, Professor Elizabeth Watkins; and Associate Dean of Research, Professor Kathryn McMahon, for their support in developing this facility and attendance at the launch.
Additionally, the SSSRF team would also like to extend a very warm welcome and thank you to Visiting Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry, Dudley Shallcross OBE from the University of Bristol, who came to ECU to establish new research collaborations and attended the launch of the new research facility.
Find out more about ECU's School of Science.
