SEMINAR: Bayliss Seminar Series

Surface science underpins all modern technology from Gore-Tex to the iPhone. We need to think about surfaces for catalysis, corrosion, coatings, growth of thin films, chemical/biological functionalization and nanotechnology just to name a few. Curtin and UWA have established a surface analysis facility based around a multi-technique x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) system which is house in the John de Laeter Centre. Using XPS one can quantitatively and non-destructively determine the elemental and chemical composition of the first few nanometres of a sample surface. The Kratos Axis Ultra DLD XPS system can also take images for chemical mapping and has a number of other electron, ion and photon-based techniques for surface analysis. In this talk I will introduce the techniques available with a focus on XPS, and give some examples of how they can be used for materials science. The surface analysis facility is readily available for interested users so details on how to obtain access and training will also be provided.

Presenter Biography

Jean-Pierre is the X-ray Surface Analysis Facility Leader in the John de Laeter Centre at Curtin University. He is a materials scientist specializing in surface science and electrochemistry. Jean-Pierre completed his undergraduate degree with Honours in Nanotechnology in 2006 and then went on to complete his PhD in 2010 at Curtin University. He subsequently held a Postdoctoral Fellowship at CSIRO’s Process Science and Engineering Division in Victoria followed by a Research Scientist & Project Leader Position at CSIRO’s Mineral Resources Flagship. His current research interests are focused on the characterisation, modification and improvement of complex electrochemical systems, with an emphasis on understanding the interactions occurring at electrode surfaces and interfaces. Jean-Pierre has also developed a strong background in the application and characterization of ionic liquids and has a keen interest in how these novel application-specific materials can be utilized to improve various electrochemical processes (e.g. energy storage and electrodeposition).