I am interested in connecting the properties of materials with their structure. Principally this involves studies of supramolecular materials at 10-1000 Angstrom resolution. An example is the structure of explosive emulsions and how we can manipulate this to produce desirable properties in these useful materials.

I combine use of neutrons and X-rays, employing both scattering and diffraction methods, using polarisation properties, isotopic substitution, low temperatures and high magnetic fields. This consists of neutron and X-ray reflectometry, Small-angle scattering, accurate single crystal diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering.

In the area of magnetism and metal-ligand bonding the accurate, very low temperature, X-ray and polarised neutron single crystal diffraction gives electron charge and spin densities. In the area of supramolecular structure the reflectometry and small angle scattering are used to study self assembly in systems such as the templated synthesis of silicate-organic composite and mesoporous materials both in the bulk and in films at interfaces. This work is funded under the Uniche project. This is a collaboration with ORICA, Australia's largest chemical company, to allow seamless crossover of students and researchers between industry and universities.