Ian obtained his MChem in 2011 and DPhil in 2016 from the University of Oxford, working with Prof. Kylie Vincent on in situ infrared spectro-electrochemical characterisation of fuel cell catalysts. He stayed at Oxford to work on medium temperature electrochemical ammonia synthesis with Prof. Edman Tsang, in collaboration with Siemens. In 2018 he moved to the group of Prof. Patrick Unwin at the University of Warwick to study the role of electrified interfaces on crystallisation processes as part of the EPSRC Crystallisation in the Real World consortium. Here he gained experience in computer modelling of electrochemical processes and scanning electrochemical probe microscopies. In 2022 he joined Loughborough as a Lecturer in Chemistry.
Research Areas
Research in the McPherson group is focused on understanding the structure and function of electrified interfaces and harnessing this knowledge to solve real world problems. We are particularly interested in the field of electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Work extends across length and energy scales, from nanometer scale systems at ambient temperature to tens of centimeter systems operating in excess of 500oC, and uses a range of in situ measurements along with computer modelling to characterise and understand the interfacial structure-activity relationship. The group is currently focusing on electrochemical ammonia synthesis.
Ammonia Detection at the Nanoscale
Much work is being carried out into new electrocatalysts for the reduction of nitrogen under ambient conditions, however unambiguous detection of the product ammonia remains challenging. We are developing nanoscale imaging methodologies to report on local ammonia concentrations in situ.
Medium Temperature Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis
Often the ingredients for ammonia (nitrogen, water and energy) are readily available in locations where it is required, but there is no efficient, small scale process that makes a local synthesis feasible. We are aiming to change this by developing medium temprature electrochemical routes to ammonia that can tap into plentiful but localised supplies of energy (e.g. wind, solar) and use the combination of thermal and electrical power to drive this challenging process.
Departmental
Industrial Placement Coordinator
Teaching
CMB105 Liquid-Liquid Interfaces
CMC003 Dynamic Electrochemistry
Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry
Member of the Electrochemical Society
Honorary Secretary, RSC Molten Salt and Ionic Liquid Discussion Group