Solid State Molecular Science Professor John White

 

We combine the powerful methods of neutron and X-ray scattering with computer simulation and chemical synthesis to study structure and dynamics at nanometre and picosecond space/time scales. Insights gained using these techniques are used to guide chemical synthesis in making new materials with interesting physicochemical properties. X-ray small angle scattering and reflectivity instruments are unique in Australia . Our group also has access to the most advanced synchrotron radiation and neutron source facilities in the world.

In particular we are investigating how polymers assemble at air/liquid interfaces and how 'template' molecules direct the formation of particular molecular structures. We also study the structure and denaturation of proteins at interfaces.

 

Current research activities

Growth of highly crystalline inorganic films

We have discovered that thin silicate films grown at the air/water interface using surfactant templates are highly oriented and have cylindrical micellar structures parallel to the surface. This work has been extended to transition metal oxide films that can be used as catalysts. We are investigating the mechanisms by which these structures form at the air-water and solid interfaces and manipulating this to make new inorganic materials for use in the splitting of water by light to produce hydrogen and oxygen.

Surface structure of protein solutions

In a world-first, we are investigating thermal denaturation of protein solutions at the air/water interface. We have found the thermodynamics of this denaturation and are examining how we can control the level of denaturation to reach metastable states. As many biological structures form at interfaces, these studies may prove valuable for understanding and possibly treating diseases where protein partial or full denaturation occurs, for example Alzheimer’s disease.

Characterisation of emulsions

We are investigating the structure and stability of emulsions. The unique power of neutron contrast variation allows the core, the surfactant coating or the exterior of the emulsion droplet to be 'imaged' by scattering methods. New structures at the nanoscale have been discovered as well as how they influence emulsion properties. We are using mixtures of surfactants to stabilise emulsions and produce desirable properties. Our current focus is on high internal phase oil/water emulsions and the milk fat membrane.

Annual Research Report   (PDF format)

 

Group members

Academic Staff:
Professor John White (Leader)   |   Dr Duncan McGillivray   |   Dr Jitendra Mata   |   Dr Philip Reynolds

Technical and General Staff:
David King   |   Lena Britton   |   Steph Neulinger

PhD Students:
Krisztian Baranyai   |   Adam Perriman

Visiting Fellows:
  Prof Alain Gibaud   |   Dr Elliot Gilbert   |   Dr Andrew Jackson   |   Adjunct Professor Veronica James   |   Dr Adrian Rennie   |   Dr Andrew Scott  |  Dr Johann Zank

Honours Students:

 

Key publications

1. Henderson M J, Gibaud A, Bardeau J-F, White J W An X-ray reflectivity study of evaporation-induced self-assembled titania-based films. J. Mater. Chem. (2006), 16(25), 2478-2484. http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/b601677d
2. Henderson, M.J., Perriman, A.W., Robson-Marsden, H., White, J.W. Protein-poly(silicic) acid interactions at the air/solution interface. J. Phys. Chem. B (2005), 109(44), 20878-20886. http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jp051908k
3. Henderson, M.J., King, D., White, J.W. Time dependent changes in the formation of titania based films at the air-water interface. Langmuir (2004), 20(6), 2305-2308.
4. Reynolds, P.A., McGillivray, D., Gilbert, E.P., Holt, S.A., Henderson, M.J., White, J.W. Neutron and x-ray reflectivity from polyisobutylene-based amphiphiles at the air-water interface. Langmuir (2003), 19, 752-761.
5. S.A. Holt, M.J. Henderson, and J.W. White, Thermal Denaturation of Interfacial Protein Layer. Aust. J.Chem., Special Edition of Plenary Lectures, 25 Australian Polymer Symposium, 55, 449–459 (2002).

>>more publications

---

John White, CMG, is a Fellow of the Royal Society and Australian Academy of Science. He has held the Argonne Fellowship (U. of Chicago) and was for many years a Fellow of St John's College, Oxford. He was made an Honorary Fellow of St John's College in 1995. Between 1975 and 1981, he was Director of the Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble, France. He is a Marlow Medallist, Tilden Lecturer of the Royal Society of Chemistry, the 1991 Hinshelwood Lecturer at Oxford University, the H.G. Smith Memorial Medallist (1997) and the Leighton Memorial Medalist (2005) by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, and the Craig Medallist (2005) from the Australian Academy of Science.

He is also President, Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering; Member, Council, Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering; Spokesperson, Human Stem Cells Research, Australian Academy of Science; Member, Australian Academy of Science/Royal Society Exchange Program Committee; Past President, Royal Australian Chemical Institute; Chair, Advisory Committee on Replacement Research Reactor (Australian Academy of Science); Chair, Scholarships Committee, Oxford Australia Scholarship Fund; Chair, Steering Committee of University-Industry Linkages in Chemistry (UnIChe); Member, Australian Synchrotron Research Program Policy and Review Board; Member, International Advisory Board, Centre of Excellence for Nanotechnology, University of Queensland; Member, Board of Governors, Consortium for Advanced Radiation Sources, (CARS), University of Chicago; Member, International Science Advisory Committee, Central Laboratory of the Research Councils, UK; Member, Advisory Committee, School of Chemistry, University of Sydney; Chair, International Advisory Committee for Japanese Atomic Energy Research Institute/KEK J-PARC Project; Member, International Advisory Committee for Hanaro Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute/ Kaeri Hanaro Project; Member, International Advisory Panel, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore; Chair, 2006 Visiting Committee, Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore; Chair, Canberra Fellows Group, Australian Academy of Science; President, Oxford University Society, Canberra Branch; Chair, ASAC Review of Australian Antarctic Science 2004; Chair, New Zealand Antarctica Review, 2005; Member, Editorial Board, Advances in Physics.

Japanese Proton Accelerator Research Centre (J- PARC) photos.

---

private web page: http://rsc.anu.edu.au/~ph\il/Group.html group photos

Professor J W White Research School of Chemistry, Building 35 Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200 AUSTRALIA Ph: +61 2 6125 3578 Fx: +61 2 6125 4903 E-mail: jww@rsc.anu.edu.au

Links:

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics     A Journal of European Chemical Societies.
The UnIChe project - an industry-linked chemistry outreach program from schools to PhDs
Oxford Australia Scholarship Fund
Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI)
Australian Synchrotron Research Program (ASRP)
Australian Institute Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE)