Last half term Mr Whalley and Dr Chapman took a group of fifteen year 12 chemists to Johnson Matthey’s Technology Centre near Reading. Johnson Matthey are a world leading technology company, and are listed on the FTSE100. This was an excellent opportunity for the students to extend their knowledge of science, and well as enrich their understanding of its importance outside the classroom. 

The students were given a tour of the facilities, provided with insights into new technologies, and discussed the importance of research and development. 

This was an excellent trip for the boys, and one I hope we are able to repeat in coming years, unfortunately no pictures were allowed on site.

Summary of Johnson Matthey trip by Etienne Dean (Lower Sixth)

Our trip to the Johnson Matthey research facility began with an introductory presentation on the different areas of research being carried out at JM. We began by visiting the Analytical facilities, where samples from all the different research sections are sent for close inspection. It was fascinating to see how electron microscopes are used to detect miniscule impurities or to verify that catalysts have the maximum amount of surface area possible. Such tiny differences can give the JM products a slight edge over their competition!

Following this we saw the work of an incredible chemist who showed us the chemistry behind car windows and how each window is made in a completely different way to keep the passengers and driver safe when in the car- none of us had ever thought twice about it!

Then we visited the fuel cells laboratories and we were given a talk about the huge amounts of different research going into the valuable technology. After lunch, we were all split into teams and given instructions as to how to make a small solar cell which could generate a small amount of power using light. We recreated complex chemistry with the help of some titanium dioxide, a few other pieces and some blackberry juice! The team who produced the highest current at the end was crowned the winner and naturally created jealousy when they won a box of chocolates!

Finally, in our teams, we were tasked with creating mind maps to lead to novel solutions as to how we can solve major world problems, perhaps using some of the chemistry we had learnt! Many bright and interesting ideas were put forward and the JM chemists said they would love to see many of us working with them in a few years’ time!

On behalf of everyone who went on the trip I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved with organising it. It was immensely successful and we took away so much from it!