Rachael Matthews

Rachael Matthews

Higher Degree by Research Candidate

School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Rachael is a current PhD Candidate (Chemical Sciences) at The University of Adelaide (Adelaide University from 2026) working under the supervision of Dr. Cameron Shearer. Her research interests are in materials, inorganic, environmental and analytical chemistry.

She has been a member of the Photo-Cat Research Group since 2023, who research innovative and sustainable solutions to various environmental issues. Her current research focuses on synthesising new inorganic materials for the photocatalytic destruction of per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Rachael also has experience in targeted and non-targeted LC-MS techniques for monitoring PFAS degradation.

After completing a Bachelor of Sciences (Double Chemistry Major) in 2022, she graduated with First Class Honours in 2023. She was awarded The Royal Australian Chemical Institute Prize and the G.S Laurence Prize in Practical Chemistry Level II for her outstanding academic efforts in 2020.

My research uses photocatalysis to degrade various persistent organic pollutants, such as per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Photocatalysis uses the energy from light to drive reduction / oxidation (redox) reactions. PFAS molecules contain multiple C-F bonds which are resistant to biodegradation and other chemical destruction techniques (i.e. incineration). Photocatalysts with sufficient redox potential are therefore a viable option for remediation under UV light. Various metal oxides including La-doped ATaO3 (A = Li, Na, K) are current materials of interest in this work. 

  • Appointments
    Date Position Institution name
    2023 - ongoing Academic Staff Member (Casual) University of Adelaide
    2023 - 2024 Research Officer (Casual) University of Adelaide

  • Awards and Achievements
    Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
    2023 Scholarship Neville Arthur Honours Scholarship in Physical Sciences The University of Adelaide Australia -
    2022 Scholarship Rowe Scientific Scholarship The University of Adelaide Australia -
    2022 Achievement Women in STEM Careers Program The University of Adelaide Australia -
    2020 Award RACI Prize in Level II Chemistry The University of Adelaide Australia -
    2020 Award G.S. Laurence Prize in Practical Chemistry Level II The University of Adelaide Australia -
    2019 Award Outstanding Academic Achievement The University of Adelaide Australia -
    2019 Scholarship The University of Adelaide Principals’ Scholarship The University of Adelaide Australia -

  • Language Competencies
    Language Competency
    English Can read, write and speak

  • Research Interests
    Inorganic materials (incl. nanomaterials) Photochemistry Applications in physical sciences Physical Chemistry Inorganic Green Chemistry

  • Journals
    Year Citation
    - Matthews, R. K., Nguyen, H. T. L., Yang, F., Pukala, T. L., Evans, J. D., & Shearer, C. J. (n.d.). La Doping ATaO<sub>3</sub> (A = Li, Na, K) to Improve Performance for Photocatalytic Pollutant Degradation. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS, 13 pages.
    DOI

  • Memberships
    Date Role Membership Country
    2023 - ongoing Representative Royal Australian Chemical Society (RACI) Australia
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