Ben Goldmann

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Biography

Background

Ben was born in Budapest, Hungary, and moved to Folkestone, Kent at the age of fourteen. He received his Master's and PhD degrees in chemistry from the University of Bath, including an industrial placement year at Imerys Minerals in Par, Cornwall. He is currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Edinburgh supported by Infineum UK Ltd. His research focuses on the computational modelling of condensed-phase materials for renewable energy applications.

Qualifications

MChem (Hons) Chemistry with Industrial Placement, University of Bath (2020)

PhD Research Programme in Chemistry, University of Bath (2024)

Research summary

Ben utilises computational modelling techniques, such as molecular dynamics simulations, to gain insights into the behaviours of condensed-phase materials in the context of renewable energy generation and storage. 

Current research interests

In his current, industry-funded role, he model polymer and surfactant solutions for various dispersant and lubricants applications. Research areas include polymers for the dispersion of carbon nanotubes to be used as additives in electrode materials to enhance electronic conductivity and mechanical strength, polymers to be used as lubricants for windmills for the efficiency and longevity of windmills, and surfactants for the dispersion of nickel nanoparticles to be used in capacitor devices.

Past research interests

Ben's PhD focused on optimising the ionic conductivity of halide solid electrolytes, to be implemented in solid-state batteries, which offer improved performance and safety.

Knowledge exchange

Ben's collaborations in academia and industry include:

  • Dr James Dawson, University of Newcaste (anti-perovskite solid electrolytes)
  • Prof Wolfgang Zeier, University of Münster (ternary halide solid electrolytes)
  • Prof Peter Dowding, Infineum UK Ltd (carbon nanotube dispersants, windmill lubricants)
  • Prof Peter Scott, University of Warwick (carbon nanotube dispersants)
  • Prof Wuge Briscoe, University of Bristol (windmill lubricants)

Yellowlees Seminar Series

Ben lead the set-up of the School of Chemistry's Yellowlees Seminar Series, and is currently in charge of its organisation. This series of regular postdoc-led seminars is embedded within the school's regular programme to give postdoctoral researchers at the School the opportunity to invite and host high-profile speakers from across the UK and Europe. Speaker invitations are shaped by postdocs through an open and collaborative process through sessions at annual postdoc away days (most recently at Edinburgh Zoo). The seminar series is named after University of Edinburgh alumna and former Royal Society of Chemistry President Prof. Lesley Yellowlees. Interest in participating in the seminar series, whether as speaker or as a member of the audience, should be forwarded to chempostdoc-committee@ed.ac.uk.

EaStCHEM Conference for Early-Career Researchers

Ben is on the organising committee for the EaStCHEM Conference for Early-Career Researchers. This conference offers a platform for early-career researchers across the UK, and especially from Scotland, to showcase their research and collaborate with their peers. Ben is involved in the decisions regarding submitted abstracts, on-day coordination, and session chairing. The conference usually takes place in June, with location alternating between Edinburgh and St Andrews.

Virtual Winter School of Computational Chemistry

Ben is on the organising committee for the Virtual Winter School of Computational Chemistry. The school's aim is to make knowledge in the field of computational chemistry freely available worldwide. Ben's roles include the invitation of speakers, and the organisation of hands-on workshops to familiarise participants with computational chemistry software. More information and registration link can be found on the school's website.

Guinness World Record Title

Ben was part of a successful Guinness World Records attempt in 2021, having assisted the construction of the world's largest fruit battery made of 2,923 lemons, and producing a potential difference of 2,307.8 V. The world record title aimed to showcase chemistry as a catalyst for change and drives enhanced education on sustainability and the impact of climate change.

Expertise

Ben's expertise include:

  • Computational chemistry: molecular dynamics simulations, DFT simulations, machine-learned force fields.
  • Soft-matter chemistry: polymers, surfactants, self-assembly, colloids, adsorption to surfaces.
  • Solid-state chemistry: crystals, ion-diffusion, 

Sectors

Sectors relevant to Ben:

  • Energy
  • Advanced Materials
  • AI & Data Modelling
  • Environment & Sustainability

Ben is open to working with external partners, via both collaborative projects or consultancies, subject to approval from Prof. Philip Camp and Infineum UK Ltd.

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