2005 IRISH SCIENTIST YEAR BOOK

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Waterford Institute of Technology
Peter McLoughlin
Department of Chemical and Life Sciences
Polymer Mediated Sensing Research Group (PMSRG)

Diffusion profile for 25mgL �1 TeCE into a 5.3�m Teflon AF2400� membrane. Equilibration time ~1700 seconds. Projection time is only 25% of equilibration time. Total number of data points = 88.

Dr Peter McLoughlin, Ms Valerie Dobbyn, Mr Kevin Flavin, Dr P�draig Kirwan, Dr Brian Murphy & Dr Kieran Murphy



The PMSRG is a multidisciplinary research team which investigates the potential of various polymer facilitated sensing methodologies. Use of polymer modified spectroscopy for the detection of residual solvents in the environment is one project area under investigation. Studies identifying key factors affecting the diffusion of target analytes into polymer matrices with a view to optimising sensor response are another key area of research of this team [1-6]. Analyte diffusion studies coupled with mathematical models are utilised to quantify key diffusion parameters. This team has also utilised mathematical projection modelling to reduce sensing time. [7]

"Interaction bands" have been observed during the diffusion of analyte molecules into Teflon AF2400� polymer matrices. The nature/character of observed 'interaction bands' has been investigated. Through monitoring of these bands an increase in detection sensitivity is observed for a number of test species. [6]

A selection of the peer-reviewed publications of this research team is given below. A number of international and national academic and industrial partners are actively engaged in collaborative projects with this group.




References:

[1]�Dobbyn V., Howley R., Kirwan P., and McLoughlin P, Intern. J. Environ. Anal. Chem., 83 (7-8), 643-652, (2003).

[2]�Murphy B, McLoughlin P, Intern. J. Environ. Anal. Chem., 83 (7-8), 653-662, (2003).

[3]�Howley R., MacCraith B.D., O'Dwyer K., Masterson H., Kirwan P., McLoughlin P, Applied Spectroscopy, 57(4), 2003.

[4]�Howley R., MacCraith B.D., O'Dwyer K., Kirwan P., McLoughlin P., Vibrational Spectroscopy, 31, 271-278, (2003).

[5]�Murphy B, Kirwan P., and, McLoughlin P, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 337, 1, 195-202, (2003).

[6]�Murphy B, Kirwan P., and, McLoughlin P, Vibrational Spectroscopy, 33/1-2, 75-82, 2003.

[7]�McLoughlin P, Flavin K, Kirwan P, Murphy B, Murphy K, Sensors & Actuators B, 107/1, 170-177, 2005.

Contact: Dr Peter McLoughlin,
Tel: 051 30205; E-mail: [email protected]