Functional π-conjugated molecules
We have several projects which aim to exploit the unique properties of pi-conjugated molecules to make useful materials. We currently have projects exploring singlet fission and Faraday rotation.
Singlet fission is a process in which a singlet excited state (e.g. from a photon) splits into two triplet excited states. This process can be used to increase the efficiency of solar cells, and we are exploring the use of pi-conjugated molecules to achieve this.
All matter exhibits a Faraday effect: the polarisation of light as it passes through a material changes proportional to the strength of an external magnetic field. Most commercial Faraday rotating materials are based on inorganic chemistry, and comprise ferrimagnetic crystals. It was recently shown that a common polymer – poly(3-hexylthiophene) – exhibits a Faraday rotation competitive with that of the extant ferrimagnetic materials. However, the reason isn’t clear. We seek to explore the structure-property relationships which underpin the Faraday rotation in organic materials, and thus perhaps develop excellent new Faraday rotating materials which could have applications as medical magnetosensors or in photonic devices.
Martin Peeks
Scientia Senior Lecturer
I am interested in understanding the fundamental chemistry of complex molecules and molecular systems.
Dexter Gordon
PhD Student (2023-); Honours Student (2020/21)
Hi! I’m a Sydney local studying a PhD with the Peeks group at UNSW, having completed my Bachelor of Advanced Science (Hons) at this university in 2021. My primary research interests are synthetic organic chemistry, analytical techniques such as time-resolved spectrofluorometry, and computational chemistry. Outside of uni, I sometimes sing with Vox Canvas, a barbershop acapella group based in Sydney, and I have a keen interest in politics and urban development. After a long day working on my project, my cat Sammy is always waiting for me at home!
Bethany Hillier
PhD Student (2021-); Honours Student (2020-2021); Undergraduate researcher (2019)
Bethany completed a Bachelor of Science (International) at UNSW, supplementing her Chemistry major with a minor in Spanish and Latin American Studies. She has returned to the Peeks Group for her Honours Project in 2020, having previously researched as an undergraduate volunteer in 2019. Bethany is currently interested in the synthesis and properties of cross-conjugated molecules.
Lachlan Bradley
PhD Student (2025-)
I’m a Sydneysider returning from the UK and now studying with the Peeks Group at UNSW, following an integrated Masters in Chemistry (MChem Hons) from the University of Oxford. My research interests lie in multi-configurational computational chemistry and its applications to synthetic chemistry. Away from academia, I follow motorsports and gridiron football, and have a deep passion for electronic music production.
Josh Pitt
Honours Student (2025)
After spending a year working at the National Deuteration Facility at ANSTO, Josh is completing an Honours project with the Peeks group in 2025. His interest lies in the synthesis of unusually conjugated molecules, chiefly [3]radialene structures, and their applications. At UNSW, Josh is involved with the Students of Chemistry Society (SOCS) and works as a mentor in the Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS) program. Outside the walls of research, you’ll find Josh reading one too many books at a time, pampering his two cockatiels, or exploring cafes, bars, and restaurants in Sydney.
![Photoexcited and ground-state diradical(oid) character in a triquino[3]radialene](/publication/hillier-radialene-chemsci-2025/featured_hu10763402872294439277.webp)
