On February 17^th-21^st, Robert Lazenby, Marc Baghdadi and Prof Pat Unwin went to the 7^th workshop on scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and related techniques. The conference was held in Ein-Gedi, Israel and led by Prof. Daniel Mandler (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem).

Marc presented his work as a poster (Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy as a Probe of Localized Fluxes in Live Cell Imaging). Robert presented a talk covering recent work using nanoelectrodes and hopping mode imaging for Intermittent Contact-SECM (New Developments in Intermittent Contact-SECM: Nanoscale Imaging and Hopping Mode). Pat presented a talk demonstrating the use of Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (SECCM) for electrochemical imaging of heterogeneous electrode surfaces at nanoscale resolution (Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy: New Features in Electrochemistry at the Nanoscale).

Whilst in Israel, they went into the Dead Sea, had a mud bath and sulfur shower, hiked through the Ein Gedi nature reserve and visited the ancient fortification of Masada.

At the beginning of 2013 the group shared their goodbyes to two of its finest researchers: Massimo Peruffo and Michael Snowden. They both obtained their PhDs in the group and stayed on for PDRA posts. Here is what they had to say about their time at the Warwick Electrochemistry & Interfaces group, their experiences and set of skills gained being part of the group:

Massimo: “The electrochemistry and interface group is relatively big, it counts over 20 people and the research covers fundamental science as well as applied science with industrial driven targets. This mix makes it really exciting and challenging to work here and it helps to develop a wide view on problem solving. I really enjoyed working here for several reasons, but if I have to pick one, it is the cooperation between members of the group and the support of Pat and Julie, always available to have a chat and discuss your own ideas.”

Mike: “The wide range of electrochemical studies within the group is supported by access to high quality equipment and facilities, and I have gained a broad skill set covering both experimental and numerical simulation. I have enjoyed being part of many varied projects and working within a team of people who are motivated to produce top class research. Additionally, seeing techniques that I have designed and developed during my time in the group being applied to new industrial-based research projects has been very rewarding.”

Massimo is now working for Unilever at Port Sunlight (Merseyside, UK), and Mike has taken up a PDRA position in the Mauzeroll group, McGill University (Montreal, Canada).

Click here for our full report on the project.

Members of the Electrochemistry Group worked with eight children who attend The Grange Extended Learning Centre over a six week period. The Grange ELC is a Pupil Referral Unit for pupils who have been, or are at risk of, being excluded from their mainstream school. This project was coordinated by the Chemistry Department's very own enthusiastic outreach officer Nick Barker.

The project involved the analysis of soil samples, collected from sites once occupied by car factories around the City of Coventry, for heavy metals using various innovative techniques. Over the first four weeks, two children worked in the laboratories at Warwick to prepare diamond electrodes while the rest of the group, went to old car production sites like Jaguar (Brown’s Lane) and Rover (Cromwell Lane) to collect soil samples. Samples were then prepared in the Department's new teaching labs and analysed by stripping voltammetry and other techniques. The children then did some research to rationalise differences in the heavy metal content of the samples collected.

Manni Sahota, acting Headteacher of The Grange Extended Learning Centre, was hugely positive about this outreach project:

‘I feel the project run by Prof Pat Unwin and his staff was a huge success. It raised the pupils’ self-esteem and their aspirations. They learned how to use scientific equipment and saw first-hand what a University looks like. One of the pupils even talked about becoming a scientist. The pupils also met people who gave up their valuable time to help and talk to them, which I know they greatly appreciated…All the work we have ever done with Warwick University over the past few years would not be possible without Nick Barker, Teacher Fellow, who knows exactly where our pupils come from and the opportunities they would never otherwise have. Also a sincere thank you to Rob, Tania, Anisha, Hollie and Laura for their time, effort and patience!’

Click here for our full report on the project.

Mike O’Connell submitted his PhD thesis titled ‘New Methods for the study of Physicochemical Processes Relevant to the Agrochemicals Industry’ and his viva was held at the Chemistry Department in January 2013. As expected ‘farmer Mike’ (nick-name for Mike grew his own plants for his Syngenta research project!) successfully fulfilled his PhD. Mike is now working for the UK’s National Measurement Institute, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) based in Teddington, Middlesex.

On the 18^th of December 2012 the group celebrated another successful viva. This time Anisha Patel defended her thesis entitled ‘Electroanalytical applications of carbon electrodes’ and she became the 50^th PhD Doctor of the Warwick Electrochemistry Group! Her examiners were Prof. Chris McConville (Physics, Warwick University) and Dr David Fermin (Univ. of Bristol). Anisha has remained with the group as a PostDoc working on the remineralisation and protection of enamel against acid attack sponsored by Unilever.