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Alan MacDiarmid – chemist

Alan MacDiarmid – chemist

  • Changing scientific ideas
  • Advances in science and technology
  • Biography
1729
  • 1729
    Discovery of conduction of electricity

    John Jenkins, Spark Museum

    Stephen Gray makes early discoveries about electrical conduction and insulation.

1747
  • 1747
    Differences in conductivity of materials

    Public domain

    Henry Cavendish measures the conductivity of different materials.

1800
  • 1800
    Metal conducts electricity

    During the 1800s metals are found to be good at carrying (conducting) electricity.

  • 1800
    Electricity travels along wires

    Public domain

    Alessandro Volta proves that electricity can travel along wires.

1862
  • 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
  • 1899
    Plastic first used for electrical insulation

    Arthur Smith develops partially synthetic plastic resins for use in electrical insulation.

1900
  • 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.

  • 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
  • 1907
    Bakelite used as electrical insulator

    Public domain

    Leo Baekeland invents the first truly synthetic plastic – Bakelite. It is used as an electrical insulator.

1927
  • 1927
    Alan MacDiarmid born in Masterton

    Alan Graham MacDiarmid is born in Masterton, New Zealand. He is one of five children.

1930
  • 1930
    Many different plastics made

    The next 25 years from 1930 sees the development of many kinds of plastics.

  • 1930
    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.

1937
  • 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
  • 1940
    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.

1949
  • 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
  • 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.

  • 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
  • 1953
    Attends Cambridge University

    Wins a New Zealand Shell graduate scholarship to complete a second PhD at Cambridge University, England.

1954
  • 1954
    Alan marries

    Alan marries Marian Mathieu.

1955
  • 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

    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.

1960
  • 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.

1963
  • 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.

1971
  • 1971
    Award in silicon chemistry

    Awarded the American Chemical Society Frederic Stanley Kipping Award in Silicon Chemistry.

1974
  • 1974
    Organic polymer electronic device reported

    An organic polymer electronic switch developed by John McGinness and co-workers is reported in the journal Science.

1975
  • 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

    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)

1976
  • 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.

  • 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.

    1976
    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.

1977
  • 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.

1990
  • 1990
    Alan’s wife dies

    Alan’s wife, Marian dies. They have four children.

1999
  • 1999
    Honorary doctorate

    Awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Victoria.

2000
  • 2000
    Plastics used as conductors

    Queen’s University

    Plastics are used as conductors, especially in new electronic technologies during the 2000s.

  • 2000
    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.

  • 2000
    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.

2001
  • 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
  • 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

    MacDiarmid Institute

    Spends next 5 years travelling around the world and speaking – an ambassador for science.

2007
  • 2007
    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.

2011
  • 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).

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.

Rights: Universtiy of Waikato
Published: 31 January 2012Updated: 15 September 2017