We are an inorganic synthesis and materials group interested in the design and properties of precursors. Research in the group began with the synthesis and isolation of molecular precursors for the deposition and inkjet printing of metals, especially Al, Cu and Ag. It has now expanded into the fields of main group and transition metal organometallic synthesis with applications in functional materials, electrochemistry and catalysis. Below are the active research areas in the group.
Precursor synthesis and reactivity
In recent years, the research surrounding metal oxide and chalcogenide thin films, particularly those containing group 13 elements, has expanded greatly due to these materials having properties crucial to the function and performance of a wide range of electronic, optical and chemically active devices. We synthesise and isolate interesting precursors towards these materials and investigate their reactivity, as well as their structural and dynamic properties.
Inkjet printing of metal organic decomposition (MOD) inks
Metal–organic decomposition (MOD) precursor inks are emerging as the new route to low-temperature deposition of highly conductive metals. Determining the impact that the molecular structure and geometry of the precursors have on their decomposition is crucial. We focus on the synthesis, characterisation and deposition of Al, Cu and Ag MOD inks and investigate their decomposition through fine tuning of the precursors which is achieved through careful ligand design.
Aerosol-Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (AACVD) of Metal Chalcogenides
We use the precursors mentioned above to deposit metal oxides and chalcogenides via Aerosol-Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (AACVD), an efficient and industrially scalable process that produces good quality films. We investigate film properties thoroughly through several characterisation techniques, and via compositional mapping tools.
New materials for electrochemical applications
We are investigating the incorporation of Ag and Al precursors into reduced graphene oxide composites and the effects of this on its electrochemical properties, with a view to use these materials as oxygen reduction catalysts and supercapacitors.