Stephen A. Moggach

Stephen A. Moggach is an Associate Professor in Structural Chemistry at the School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia. His research program focuses on the application of pressure to modify material properties, particularly in porous frameworks, with significant implications for gas storage, separation technologies, and carbon capture applications.

Education:

• PhD in Chemistry from the University of Edinburgh (2006), researching 'The Effect of Pressure on Amino Acids'
• BSc in Applied Chemistry from The Robert Gordon University (2002)

Moggach's research explores fundamental principles of how pressure induces structural changes in materials, leveraging the fact that 'there are many more orders of magnitudes of pressure available to us in the Universe than there is temperature.' His work centers on modifying the properties and selectivity of porous materials through pressure application, with particular expertise in Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and their structural response to compression. He has developed specialized in-situ X-ray and neutron diffraction facilities to study materials under extreme pressure conditions, contributing significantly to our understanding of molecular interactions in confined spaces.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory focused on pressure-induced structural transformations in porous materials, with increasing sophistication in understanding framework flexibility, gas uptake mechanisms, and structure-property relationships under compression. His work bridges fundamental crystallographic principles with practical applications in energy and environmental technologies.

Scientific Recognition:

• ARC Future Fellowship (2020) for 'Fill it, Squeeze it, Crush it: Extreme Gas Uptake in Microporous Materials'
• European High Pressure Research Group (EHPRG) award (2012)
• CCDC Chemical Crystallography Prize for Younger Scientists (2010)

Moggach leads multiple significant research initiatives funded by the Australian Research Council, including 'Anomalous Structural Response in Porous Framework Materials' (2022-2025) and the 'Integrated Crystallisation Facility' project. His research group maintains strong international collaborations and utilizes advanced equipment including dual Rigaku Synergy X-Ray diffractometers (Cu and Mo radiation sources) housed within the Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation & Analysis at UWA. His work directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable clean energy and responsible consumption.

The Moggach research laboratory operates at the intersection of crystallography, materials science, and chemical engineering, with particular emphasis on understanding how materials behave under extreme conditions. His team's work on pressure-responsive frameworks has implications for next-generation gas storage technologies and environmental remediation strategies.