The Campbell Group is focused on, firstly, understanding the interactions and reactions that occur in multiphase systems and secondly, using this knowledge to control the outcome. The approach to my research is unusual with a holistic view to address the context of these behaviours, rather than isolating system elements. My work uses fundamental underpinning science and theory to provide a basis for explaining observed phenomena, all whilst ensuring that the research remains industrially applicable. This application of this approach is essential to complex systems, such as corrosion and other electrochemical behaviours. As such, it remains a significantly under-developed field in understanding the basic underlying science.Understanding corrosion processes from traditional, electrochemical and in situ spectroscopic perspectives for:
- Aqueous amine solutions (with CO2) for natural gas sweetening and CO2 capture
- Halide contamination in industrial processes, particularly localized corrosion behaviours (e.g. pitting)
- Ionic liquid induced
Whilst, corrosion is an overarching expression that extends to explain a wide range of behaviours. However, there are in fact often a sequence of events which are not always apparent and in other cases parallel processes occurring. Establishing a mechanistic understanding for these reactions is essential. My group is looking at new ways to understand the behaviours which occur and the resulting impact on the metal substrate itself:
- Integrating electrochemistry and thermodynamic predictions to elucidate reactions mechanisms sequences
- Using QCM-D to establish changes to the surface (not only loss and/or gain of mass, and material property changes)
- Developing novel in situ techniques for identification of species forming in real time
By developing this deep understanding of corrosion, it becomes feasible to develop appropriate mitigation strategies. Our group is particularly focused on understanding and developing novel and green corrosion inhibition strategies.
- Using controlled formation of corrosion product layers
- Developing ionic liquid-based inhibitors
Whilst the formation of these protection mechanisms is critical, evaluating their performance is a continuing limitation. Our group is developing new ways to use a whole-system evaluation as a way to accomplish this.