Professor Philip J Camp

Professor of Theoretical Chemistry

Biography

Background

  • MA Chemistry (1994), University of Oxford (Part II Supervisor: P. A. Madden FRS)
  • PhD Physics (1997), University of Bristol (Supervisor: M. P. Allen)
  • Izaak Walton Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellow (1997-2000), Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia (Supervisor: G. N. Patey)
  • Lecturer (2000-2007), Senior Lecturer (2007-2012), and Reader (2012-2017) in Physical Chemistry, and Professor of Theoretical Chemistry (2017-present) at the University of Edinburgh

Research summary

Structure, dynamics, and phase equilibria in complex fluids; computer simulations and statistical mechanics.

Research Overview

We study the properties of complex fluids such as colloidal suspensions, ferrofluids, liquid crystals, amphiphile solutions, polymers, and ionic fluids. Using computational and theoretical techniques, we determine the connections between the structure, dynamics, and phase behaviour of complex fluids, and the properties of the constituent molecules. Simple molecular models are constructed that capture the essential characteristics of real systems. We then study these models using computational techniques such as Monte Carlo, molecular dynamics, and Brownian dynamics simulations. We also employ analytical approaches from statistical mechanics. These studies yield unique insights on the properties of fluids, and help forge universal relationships between the microscopic and macroscopic properties of matter.

Current research interests

Current research topics include: static and dynamic properties of magnetic liquids; self-assembly, adsorption, and friction of amphiphilic and polymeric molecules at liquid-solid interfaces; using molecular simulations to complement scattering and reflectivity experiments; thermal properties of complex fluids; biomolecular self-assembly and biomineralisation.

Knowledge exchange

Since 2008, experience of working with external partners including bp Castrol, bp-ICAM, The Falcon Project, and Infineum UK Ltd.

Expertise: molecular dynamics simulations; statistical mechanics; soft matter; molecular liquids and solutions; surfactants; polymers; colloidal suspensions; ferrofluids; self-assembly; adsorption; rheology; tribology; lubrication; small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering; neutron reflectometry.

Sectors: Energy, AI and Data Modelling, Advanced Materials, Analysis, Food & Drink

Philip's research group works on molecular simulations and theory of soft matter such as molecular liquids, surfactant solutions, polymers, and colloidal suspensions (including ferrofluids). The structure, thermodynamics, interfacial phenomena, rheology, tribology, and many other properties of such materials are computed and linked to real-world applications ranging from lubricants to batteries, and fish skin to Scotch whisky.

Since 2008, Philip's group has worked closely with industrial partners and academic collaborators to deliver demonstrable impact. Ongoing projects are being supported by Castrol, Infineum, and The Falcon Project. Some of this work involves central facilities such as Diamond Light Source and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, and a growing theme is the combination of computation and large-scale experiments to both validate models and interpret measurements.

Philip's group welcomes opportunities to work with external partners on a broad range of soft-matter problems, via collaborative projects or consultancies.

Find out more:

Philip Camp's profile

Molsim group page

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