Andrew C. Hillier
Electrochemistry, Combinatorial, Material Synthesis
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Research Interests
Our research activities are focused on studying the solid-liquid interface and include the broader topics of interfacial engineering, materials synthesis and characterization, and electrochemistry. We perform exploratory experimental studies of polymer thin films and membranes, metal electrocatalysis, electro-active macromolecules, and self-assembled monolayers. Our goal is to develop new and improved materials for applications that include electrochemically-driven separations, chemical and biological sensors, chemical barrier and controlled delivery systems, and fuel cells. We also perform fundamental studies of the solid-liquid interface in order to gain a better understanding of interfacial properties such as non-contact forces, adhesion and interfacial friction as well as chemical properties including reactivity detection and combinatorial materials screening, assembly and testing of polymer-sensor arrays, and design of electrochemically-driven separation systems.
Our research laboratory is equipped with a suite of analytical and surface characterization tools. These include in-situ imaging instruments such as scanning electrochemical microscope and two atomic force/scanning tunneling microscopes. We possess several electrochemical workstations and can perform electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance gravimetry, in-situ spectro- electrochemistry and hydrodynamic rotating disk electrode measurements. Both standard and inverted optical microscopy facilities are available with video imaging capabilities. We also have a variety of specimen preparation and characterization facilities including electrode polishing and meal coating and Langmuir-Blodgett film deposition equipment. Other analytical testing equipment in our laboratory include UV/VIS spectrometry, atomic absorption spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry.
