Faculty of Science School of Chemistry

Kenneth Ghiggino

Head of School and Masson Professor

CONTACT DETAILS:

Address: School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia

Room: 260
Email: ghiggino@unimelb.edu.au

Teaching responsibilities:

 

Field of expertise

Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Photochemistry

Picosecond and femtosecond laser based spectroscopic measurements are being used in our research group to investigate light induced processes in a variety of molecular systems including synthetic polymers, biological macromolecules and supramolecular assemblies. The understanding of molecular photochemistry obtained from such measurements can be used to design novel solar energy collection and conversion systems, develop light responsive nano- and bio-materials, and to construct photomolecular devices for molecular electronics applications.



Research projects currently in progress include:


(i) Photon harvesting polymers

Light harvesting polymers of well-defined structure and narrow polydispersity, are being synthesized by novel polymerisation methods. These polymers incorporate light absorbing chromophores and molecular energy traps to simulate the efficient light collection apparatus in natural photosynthetic systems. 1,4 The mechanisms of energy transfer in these polymers are being studied using fluorescence spectroscopy.

 

(ii) Photoinduced energy and electron transport

Photoexcitation of multichromophoric molecular systems can lead to energy and charge separation which provides a mechanism for useful solar energy conversion and storage. Ultrafast spectroscopy measurements are being used to investigate the effect of molecular structure and environment on the rates of electron transfer and charge recombination. 2,5

 

(iii) Phototherapy and photoimaging

Certain dyes are selectively taken up in tumour tissue. Subsequent photoillumination can lead to destruction of only the dyed tissue thus providing a therapeutic cancer treatment. The mechanisms of the phototherapeutic action are being investigated with a view to optimising molecular structures and irradiation conditions. Novel microspectroscopic imaging techniques are also being developed to investigate intracellular dye speciation and photochemistry.

 

(iv) Fluorescent sensors

Fluorescence is a powerful and sensitive technique for monitoring molecular environments (e,g, pH, polarity viscosity). A range of fluorescent molecules are being investigated as dynamic probes of macromolecule, colloid and intracellular environments.3 These projects are being supported by substantial external funding from the Australian Research Council and industry and involve collaborations with CSIRO, commercial companies and a number of local and overseas universities.

For further information visit the Photophysics Research Group Page

 

Selected Publications:
  1. Yeow, E.K.L., Ghiggino, K.P., J. Phys. Chem. A, 2000, 104, 5825.
  2. Bell, T.D.M., Jolliffe, K.A., Ghiggino.K.P., Oliver, A.M., Shephard, M.J., Langford, S.J., Paddon-Row, M.N., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2000, 122, 10661.
  3. Chee, C.K., Ghiggino, K.P., Smith, T.A., Rimmers, S., Soutar, I., Swanson, L., Polymer, 2001, 42, 2235.
  4. Chen, M., Ghiggino, K.P., Mau, A.W. H., Rizzardo, E., Thang, S.H., Wilson, G.J., Chem. Commun., 2002, 2276.
  5. Bell, T.D.M.; Ghiggino, K.P.; Jolliffe, K.A.; Ranasinahe, M.G., Langford, S.J.; Shephard, M.J.; Paddon-Row, M.N., J. Phys. Chem. A., 2002, 106, 10079

 

 
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