Alan MacDiarmid – chemist
Alan MacDiarmid – chemist
- Changing scientific ideas
- Advances in science and technology
- Biography
Discovery of conduction of electricity
John Jenkins, Spark Museum
Stephen Gray makes early discoveries about electrical conduction and insulation.
Differences in conductivity of materials
Public domain
Henry Cavendish measures the conductivity of different materials.
Metal conducts electricity
During the 1800s metals are found to be good at carrying (conducting) electricity.
Electricity travels along wires
Public domain
Alessandro Volta proves that electricity can travel along wires.
First man-made plastic created
The first man-made plastic is created by Alexander Parkes. It is an organic material derived from cellulose.
Conductive material made, but not recognised
Henry Letheby obtains a partly conductive material (polyaniline) from organic aniline. Although a conducting polymer, it is not recognised as such.
Plastic first used for electrical insulation
Arthur Smith develops partially synthetic plastic resins for use in electrical insulation.
Plastics do not conduct electricity
In the early 1900s plastics are developed. They do not conduct electricity, so are used as insulators. The idea that metals are conductors of electricity while plastics are non-conductors is maintained into the 1970s.
Early polymers not recognised as conducting
In the early 1900s German chemists name polyaniline compounds ‘aniline black’ and ‘pyrrole black’ and use them industrially. They are conducting polymers but are not recognised as such.
Bakelite used as electrical insulator
Public domain
Leo Baekeland invents the first truly synthetic plastic – Bakelite. It is used as an electrical insulator.
Alan MacDiarmid born in Masterton
Alan Graham MacDiarmid is born in Masterton, New Zealand. He is one of five children.
Many different plastics made
The next 25 years from 1930 sees the development of many kinds of plastics.
Moves to Lower Hutt
J.C. Beaglehole Room, Victoria University Library. Reference: 2010/10 3 Item 97
In the 1930s life in Masterton is difficult due to the Great Depression so the family moves to Lower Hutt.
Teaches himself chemistry
At about 10 years of age, he develops an interest in chemistry from one of his father’s old textbooks – he teaches himself about chemistry from this and other library books.
New Zealand education
During the 1940s he attends attends Hutt Valley High school for 3 years – leaves at age 16 and attends Victoria University. Has a part-time job as a ‘lab boy’/janitor to support himself. Completes a BSc and MSc.
Attraction to colour and chemicals
Publishes his first paper in the scientific journal Nature, on the chemistry of S4N4. The bright orange crystals attract him to colour, a key factor that shapes his professional life.
Some organic compounds can carry electricity
In the 1950s polycyclic aromatic compounds are found (under certain conditions) to carry current, indicating that organic compounds can carry current.
Life at University of Wisconsin
Receives a Fulbright Fellowship from the USA to do a PhD at the University of Wisconsin majoring in inorganic chemistry. Becomes president of the International Club and is elected Knapp Research Fellow. Meets Marian Mathieu.
Attends Cambridge University
Wins a New Zealand Shell graduate scholarship to complete a second PhD at Cambridge University, England.
Alan marries
Alan marries Marian Mathieu.
First job – Scotland
Takes up a position for a short time as a junior faculty member at Queen’s College of the University of St Andrews, Scotland.
45 years at University of Pennsylvania
Marguerite F. Miller
Accepts a junior position on the faculty of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania where he lives for the next 45 years. He is father to three daughters and a son and later grandfather to nine grandchildren.
Non-metals can be semiconductors
In the 1960s scientists accept that some organic molecules can be weak semiconductors – they can conduct electricity only under certain conditions.
High conductivity in polymers reported
B Bolto, D Weiss and co-workers report high conductivity in polymers ‘doped’ by having iodine added to help electrons to move.
Award in silicon chemistry
Awarded the American Chemical Society Frederic Stanley Kipping Award in Silicon Chemistry.
Organic polymer electronic device reported
An organic polymer electronic switch developed by John McGinness and co-workers is reported in the journal Science.
The discovery begins
Asked by Alan Heegar (physicist at the University of Pennsylvania) to join him in developing (SN)x – a conducting polymer – because Heegar knows MacDiarmid had made the precursor S4N4. They co-author many papers.
Further discovery
Meets Hideki Shirakawa (who had accidently produced a conducting polymer) in Japan and invites him to come to Pennsylvania for a year to work on conducting polymers.
Development of conducting polymers
MacDiarmid Institute
Collaborates with Heegar and Shirakawa to develop a method of doping that increases conductivity of polyacetylene (an organic polymer) 10 million fold, making it as good as that of metallic copper. (Photo taken in 2000)
Conducting polymers gain attention
From 1976 a floodgate of research is opened – many researchers continue to probe the promising field of organic conducting polymers.
Plastics can conduct electricity
The work of Alan MacDiarmid and colleagues shows that polyacetylene can conduct electricity almost as well as metallic copper. The conducting plastics revolution is born.
Major advance in conducting polymers
Department of Physics & Astronomy, Seoul National University
Alan MacDiarmid, Alan Heegar and Hideki Shirakawa report high conductivity in iodine or bromine-doped polyacetylene.
Collaboration for development and applications
From 1977 to 2000 Alan works extensively on developing and maintaining collaborations with numerous research groups around the world focused on the understanding (physics), development (chemistry) and applications (engineering) of conducting polymers.
Alan’s wife dies
Alan’s wife, Marian dies. They have four children.
Honorary doctorate
Awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Victoria.
Plastics used as conductors
Queen’s University
Plastics are used as conductors, especially in new electronic technologies during the 2000s.
Development of new technologies
imec
The 2000s see conducting polymers at heart of flat-screen video displays, sensors, medical implants, solar cells, flexible electronic circuitry.
Joint Nobel prize in chemistry
MacDiarmid Institute
With Alan Heegar and Hideki Shirakawa, awarded Nobel prize in chemistry for the discovery and development of conducting polymers.
ONZ and Chair in Chemistry
Appointed a Member of the Order of New Zealand (ONZ). The University of Victoria creates the Alan MacDiarmid Chair in Chemistry.
Formation of MacDiarmid Institute in New Zealand
MacDiarmid Institute is formed in 2002. It involves a number of universities and institutes collaborating together researching materials science and nanotechnology. The Institute is hosted by Victoria University of Wellington.
An ambassador for science
MacDiarmid Institute
Spends next 5 years travelling around the world and speaking – an ambassador for science.
Alan dies at age 79
Dies at age 79 after a fall down some stairs while preparing to travel to New Zealand, where he was to give a lecture on non-polluting renewable energy.
Plastic packages become computers?
Scientists explore possibilities of plastic packages tracking the process of contents (replacing the barcode) and determining, for example, the expiry date of a product (the bag turns black).
Transcript
Changing scientific ideas
Each specialised field of science has key ideas and ways of doing things. Over time, these ideas and techniques can be revised or replaced in the light of new research. Most changes to key science ideas are only accepted gradually, tested through research by many people.
Advances in science and technology
All scientists build their research and theories on the knowledge of earlier scientists, and their work will inform other scientists in the future. A scientist may publish hundreds of scientific reports, but only a few are mentioned here.
Biography
This part of the timeline outlines just a few events in the personal life of the featured person, some of which influenced their work as a scientist.
CHANGING SCIENTIFIC IDEAS
1800 – Metal conducts electricity
During the 1800s metals are found to be good at carrying (conducting) electricity.
Early 1900 – Plastics do not conduct electricity
In the early 1900s plastics are developed. They do not conduct electricity, so are used as insulators. The idea that metals are conductors of electricity while plastics are non-conductors is maintained into the 1970s.
1960 – Non-metals can be semiconductors
In the 1960s scientists accept that some organic molecules can be weak semiconductors – they can conduct electricity only under certain conditions.
1976 – Plastics can conduct electricity
The work of Alan MacDiarmid and colleagues shows that polyacetylene can conduct electricity almost as well as metallic copper. The conducting plastics revolution is born.
2000 – Plastics used as conductors
Plastics are used as conductors, especially in new electronic technologies during the 2000s. Image: Queen’s University
ADVANCES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1729 – Discovery of conduction of electricity
Stephen Gray makes early discoveries about electrical conduction and insulation. Image: John Jenkins, Spark Museum
1747 – Differences in conductivity of materials
Henry Cavendish measures the conductivity of different materials. Image: Public domain
1800 – Electricity travels along wires
Alessandro Volta proves that electricity can travel along wires. Image: Public domain
1862 – First man-made plastic created
The first man-made plastic is created by Alexander Parkes. It is an organic material derived from cellulose.
1862 – Conductive material made, but not recognised
Henry Letheby obtains a partly conductive material (polyaniline) from organic aniline. Although a conducting polymer, it is not recognised as such.
1899 – Plastic first used for electrical insulation
Arthur Smith develops partially synthetic plastic resins for use in electrical insulation.
Early 1900 – Early polymers not recognised as conducting
In the early 1900s German chemists name polyaniline compounds ‘aniline black’ and ‘pyrrole black’ and use them industrially. They are conducting polymers but are not recognised as such.
1907 – Bakelite used as electrical insulator
Leo Baekeland invents the first truly synthetic plastic – Bakelite. It is used as an electrical insulator. Image: Public domain
1930 – Many different plastics made
The next 25 years from 1930 sees the development of many kinds of plastics. Image: ImGz, Creative Commons ShareAlike 3.0
1950 – Some organic compounds can carry electricity
In the 1950s polycyclic aromatic compounds are found (under certain conditions) to carry current, indicating that organic compounds can carry current.
1963 – High conductivity in polymers reported
B Bolto, D Weiss and co-workers report high conductivity in polymers ‘doped’ by having iodine added to help electrons to move.
1974 – Organic polymer electronic device reported
An organic polymer electronic switch developed by John McGinness and co-workers is reported in the journal Science.
1976 – Major advance in conducting polymers
Alan MacDiarmid, Alan Heegar and Hideki Shirakawa report high conductivity in iodine or bromine-doped polyacetylene. Image: Department of Physics & Astronomy, Seoul National University
1976 – Conducting polymers gain attention
From 1976 a floodgate of research is opened – many researchers continue to probe the promising field of organic conducting polymers.
2000 – Development of new technologies
The 2000s see conducting polymers at heart of flat-screen video displays, sensors, medical implants, solar cells, flexible electronic circuitry. Image: imec
2011 – Plastic packages become computers?
Scientists explore possibilities of plastic packages tracking the process of contents (replacing the barcode) and determining, for example, the expiry date of a product (the bag turns black).
BIOGRAPHY
1927 – Alan MacDiarmid born in Masterton
Alan Graham MacDiarmid is born in Masterton, New Zealand. He is one of five children.
1930s – Moves to Lower Hutt
In the 1930s life in Masterton is difficult due to the Great Depression so the family moves to Lower Hutt. Image: J.C. Beaglehole Room, Victoria University Library. Reference: 2010/10 3 Item 97
1937 – Teaches himself chemistry
At about 10 years of age, he develops an interest in chemistry from one of his father’s old textbooks – he teaches himself about chemistry from this and other library books.
1940 – New Zealand education
During the 1940s he attends Hutt Valley High school for 3 years – leaves at age 16 and attends Victoria University. Has a part-time job as a ‘lab boy’/janitor to support himself. Completes a BSc and MSc.
1949 – Attraction to colour and chemicals
Publishes his first paper in the scientific journal Nature, on the chemistry of S4N4. The bright orange crystals attract him to colour, a key factor that shapes his professional life.
1950 – Life at University of Wisconsin
Receives a Fulbright Fellowship from the USA to do a PhD at the University of Wisconsin majoring in inorganic chemistry. Becomes president of the International Club and is elected Knapp Research Fellow. Meets Marian Mathieu.
1953 – Attends Cambridge University
Wins a New Zealand Shell graduate scholarship to complete a second PhD at Cambridge University, England.
1954 – Marriage
Marries Marian.
1955 – First job – Scotland
Takes up a position for a short time as a junior faculty member at Queen’s College of the University of St Andrews, Scotland.
1955 – 45 years at University of Pennsylvania
Accepts a junior position on the faculty of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania where he lives for the next 45 years. He is father to three daughters and a son and later grandfather to nine grandchildren. Image: Marguerite F. Miller
1971 – Award in silicon chemistry
Awarded the American Chemical Society Frederic Stanley Kipping Award in Silicon Chemistry.
1975 – The discovery begins
Asked by Alan Heegar (physicist at the University of Pennsylvania) to join him in developing (SN)x – a conducting polymer – because Heegar knows MacDiarmid had made the precursor S4N4. They co-author many papers.
1975 – Further discovery
Meets Hideki Shirakawa (who had accidently produced a conducting polymer) in Japan and invites him to come to Pennsylvania for a year to work on conducting polymers.
1975 – Development of conducting polymers
Collaborates with Heegar and Shirakawa to develop a method of doping that increases conductivity of polyacetylene (an organic polymer) 10 million fold, making it as good as that of metallic copper. (Photo taken in 2000) Image: MacDiarmid Institute
1977 – Collaboration for development and applications
From 1977 to 2000 Alan works extensively on developing and maintaining collaborations with numerous research groups around the world focused on the understanding (physics), development (chemistry) and applications (engineering) of conducting polymers.
1999 – Honorary doctorate
Awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Victoria.
2000 – Joint Nobel prize in chemistry
With Alan Heegar and Hideki Shirakawa, awarded Nobel prize in chemistry for the discovery and development of conducting polymers. Image: MacDiarmid Institute
2001 – ONZ and Chair in Chemistry
Appointed a Member of the Order of New Zealand (ONZ). The University of Victoria creates the Alan MacDiarmid Chair in Chemistry.
2002 – Formation of MacDiarmid Institute in New Zealand
MacDiarmid Institute is formed in 2002. It involves a number of universities and institutes collaborating together researching materials science and nanotechnology. The Institute is hosted by Victoria University of Wellington.
2002 – An ambassador for science
Spends next 5 years travelling around the world and speaking – an ambassador for science. Image: MacDiarmid Institute
2007 – Dies at age 79
Dies at age 79 after a fall down some stairs while preparing to travel to New Zealand, where he was to give a lecture on non-polluting renewable energy.
