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New Spectroscopy and Surface Science Research Facility @ Edith Cowan University

By Jenny Pham posted 12 days ago

  

New Spectroscopy and Surface Science Research Facility @ Edith Cowan University

In December 2024, Edith Cowan University (ECU)’s School of Science launched a new, innovative and pioneering research facility, the Spectroscopy and Surface Science Research Facility (SSSRF). The SSSRF was developed and established by Senior Lecturers, Dr Magdalena Wajrak and Dr Duncan Wild and Masters student, Mr Kurt Macri from ECU’s School of Science.

The SSSRF enables researchers to conduct cutting-edge fundamental and applied research in the field of atmospheric chemistry using a purpose-built photoelectron spectrometer. The photoelectron spectrometer was built by Dr Duncan Wild and is sensitive enough to probe the intermolecular interactions of atmospheric molecules and will provide deeper insights into atmospheric reactions, this tool will contribute to a greater understanding of the factors driving climate change.
The SSSRF also facilitates research in the area of surface science. More specifically, the development of novel catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide gas into useful molecules, such as ethylene, with two radio frequency (RF) sputtering systems, SEM, XRD and two evaporative beam systems. This area of research is both critical and rapidly growing as we strive to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
This new research facility offers broad project opportunities in collaboration with researchers from other Schools within ECU and Curtin University (Prof Zongping Shao, Dr Xiaomin Xu, Dr Peter Watson and Prof Mark Buntine), UWA (Prof Paul Low and Dr Chaochen Xu) and the University of Bristol, UK (Prof Dudley Shallcross).
Image: ECU research team L-R: Mr Kurt Macri, Dr Duncan Wild and Dr Magdalena Wajrak.
Dr Wajrak, Dr Wild and Mr Macri are excited to be part of this new research facility and would like to extend invitation for any researchers interested in viewing the facility to contact either Dr Wajrak (m.wajrak@ecu.edu.au) or Dr Wild (d.wild@ecu.edu.au) to arrange a visit and discuss possible research collaborations opportunities.
Special thank you to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clare Pollock Deputy Vice- Chancellor of Research, Professor Caroline Finch; Director of Research Services, Professor Margaret Jones for supporting the launch of SSSRF and 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 the development of this facility
More information about the facility can be obtained at https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/science/research/research-facilities/spectroscopy-and-surface-science-researchfacility and the attached flyer.
 

 

Dr Magdalena Wajrak is a senior chemistry lecturer in the School of Science at Edith Cowan University. She completed PhD at UWA in Quantum Chemistry under the supervision of Prof Graham Chandler. Magda's research interests are in the applications of electrochemistry, in particular, developing sensitive, infield methods for the detection of toxic metal ions in environmental, industrial and biological samples. More recently, however, she has established research collaboration in the field of electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide gas into 'value-added' molecules, such ethylene.

Co-contributors: Dr Duncan Wild and Mr Kurt Macri
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