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Darren Walsh

Lecturer in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering [DICE], Faculty of Science

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Biography

Dr. Darren Walsh obtained his B.Sc in Analytical Science from Dublin City University in 1997 and his M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry from the Institute of Technology Tallaght, Dublin in 1999. In 2002, he obtained his PhD in Physical Chemistry from Dublin City University where he studied heterogeneous electron transfer dynamics across the electrode/monolayer interface using ultrafast electrochemical techniques with Prof. Robert Forster. He then spent one year as a postdoctoral researcher at Dublin City University, where he extended his studies of charge transfer dynamics to redox polymers at electrode surfaces. This work was carried out in collaboration with Prof. Adam Heller at the University of Texas at Austin.

In 2003, Dr. Walsh moved to the University of Texas at Austin to take up a position as a postdoctoral researcher with Prof. Allen J. Bard where he began his work on electrocatalysis and scanning electrochemical microscopy. In 2005, he moved to the University of Newcastle upon Tyne to take up a position as a Lecturer in Physical Chemistry. In 2007, he joined the School of Chemistry at the University of Nottingham as a DICE (Driving Innovation through Chemistry and Chemical Engineering) Lecturer.

Expertise Summary

The Walsh research group is particularly interested in the development and applications of new nanostructured electrode surfaces, particularly in scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). SECM is a scanning probe technique that involves positioning an ultramicroelectrode tip very close to a substrate while in contact with an electroactive species in solution. The tip signal is the faradaic current generated by electrolysis of the electroactive solution species, which is altered as the tip approaches the substrate. By scanning the tip above the substrate, it is possible to obtain information about the substrate in terms of both topography and reactivity. Current SECM projects in the lab include the development of new probes for SECM that will increase its resolution as well as broadening its applications, e.g., we are currently developing new probes that will allow is to screen novel fuel cell catalysts using SECM. Other projects in the lab include the development and applications of nanostructured electrodes based on carbon nanotubes and nanofibres. These materials are particularly useful as supports for catalysts and we are investigating the impregnation and these materials with new catalytic materials.

Teaching Summary

My teaching within the School of Chemistry is primarily focused on Physical and Analytical Chemistry. I am the module convener for the following modules:

F12PAC - Principles of Analytical Chemistry

F12ERI - Equilibria, Rates and Interfaces

F13PSC - Professional Skills for Chemists

I also contribute lectures to:

F14ST1 - Special Topic in Chemistry

F11FIC - Frontiers in Chemistry

Selected Publications

School of Chemistry

University Park Nottingham, NG7 2RD

telephone: +44 (0) 115 951 3500
fax: +44 (0) 115 951 3555
email: chemistry-enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk