A/Prof Andrea Gerson
Ian Wark Research Institute
The University of South Australia

Background

Andrea's first degree was a B.Sc. in chemistry from Canterbury University, New Zealand in 1986. Subsequently a M.Sc. (through research) in chemistry was obtained from the same university. The title of the thesis was "A Study of Paramagnetic Defect Centres in Quartz".

Andrea's Ph.D. (1988-1990) utilised in situ and ex situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction (Synchrotron Radiation Source, SRS, U.K. and DESY, Germany) to investigate the crystallisation of n-alkanes. Dr. Gerson was awarded the Cargill Prize from Burmah Oil for contributions to diesel technology in 1990 as a result of her Ph.D. research. Subsequent single crystal diffraction studies based at Kings' College London University (1991-1992, Exxon Technology Fellowship) lead to the structural solution of multicomponent disordered n-alkanes systems and the development of an algorithm for the deconvolution, in reciprocal space, of twinned structures.

Research Interests

Andrea's areas of interest focus on interfacial and solid state structure and reaction mechanisms. This theme of research has been followed in relation to crystallisation phenomena within the petrochemical, Bayer and pigment industries. Metal sulfide research has included the manipulation of surface properties of pyrrhotite and pentlandite for improved PGM recovery, leaching mechanisms of chalcopyrite, pyrite and sphalerite and the remediation of acid mine drainage. Metal oxides and doped rutile have been studied with the aim of relating sold state structure to reaction mechanisms. Quantum-chemical calculations play a significant role in these studies as a means to elucidate reaction pathways through examination of relative energetics.

Assoc. Prof. Gerson is currently the Lead Australian Scientist for the Australian-Canadian synchrotron collaboration. This collaboration is focussed on the development of industrially useful synchrotron end-stations at both the Canadian Light Source and the Australian synchrotron. It is anticipated that these end-stations will consist of an XRD-XRF microprobe and an imaging/environmental X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. This position will last for a minimum of four years and is funded by the Australian State of Victoria. During this time she will work closely with both the Canadian Light Source and Surface Science Western based at the University of Western Ontario.

Current Projects

• Industrially focussed synchrotron end-stations: an Australian-Canadian collaboration (DIIRD, State Government of Victoria)
• The recovery of Cu from chalcopyrite-pyrite containing concentrates, ores and tailings (Rio Tinto and ARC Linkage)
• Synchrotron studies: SAXS analysis of the precipitation of aluminium hydroxide from Bayer liquors; XPS vacuum and ambient measurements of the surface structure and reactivity of metal sulfides
• Electronic and optical properties of doped titanium dioxide (Tiwest and ARC Linkage)
• Synchrotron studies: SAXS analysis of the precipitation of aluminium hydroxide from Bayer liquors; XPS vacuum and ambient measurements of the surface structure and reactivity of metal sulfides
• Neutralising Mineral Reactions for Control of Acid Mine Drainage (AMIRA 387B, consultant)