Faculty of Science and Technology
Deakin University
A major focus is on understanding the fundamental chemistry and spectroscopy of various chemiluminescent reactions and their analytical utility for flow analysis, HPLC, capillary electrophoresis and micro fluidics. The outcomes have already afforded innovative detection and monitoring technologies for a range of challenging chemical measurement problems in diverse areas including: process chemistry, oenology and forensic science. T he group is also multidisciplinary and uniquely brings together physical, synthetic, supramolecular and analytical chemistries with entomology and toxicology. Consequently, we are currently undertaking collaborative research with industry partners, forensic practitioners as well as internationally recognised scientists from the Universities of Manchester, Hull and Trinity College ( Dublin ). These programmes are directed towards novel reagents and strategies for the detection of illicit drugs, explosives, chemical warfare agents as well as monitoring wine production and maturation. The research will exploit the emerging technology platform of microfluidics to enable the development of analytical methodologies suitable for use at-scene of field deployment. While these investigations will be ongoing, future interactions with researchers within BioDeakin and Advanced Materials are being initiated and will be developed through collaborative projects.
The multidisciplinary group is lead by Professor Neil Barnett in association with Dr Paul Francis, Dr. Fred Pfeffer, Associate Professor Tes Toop, Associate Professor Kieran Lim and Professor Chris Gray plus eleven PhD and nine Honours students.
