Electron- and Photo-Induced Processes

Mechanisms of Electron and Photoinduced Processes

We seek knowledge of reaction mechanisms in a diverse range of topics, often connected to each other by common mechanistic principles and common techniques. The science in each topic is connected to new sources of energy from solar to nuclear. We study molecular processes occurring at short times using pulses of electrons or light. Most investigations use facilities in the Accelerator Center for Energy Research (ACER), including its special detection systems including

1. Time-resolved infrared (TRIR)
2. Transient microwave conductivity (PRTRMC) and
3. the optical fiber single shot system (OFSS) along with more conventional transient absorption detection.

Topics

Fundamental Chemistry of Ionization 
How fast electrons and holes separate, recombine, evolve into molecular ions or radicals

Ionic Liquids
Synthesis and use of amazing, nonvolatile molecular fluids and their chemistry following ionizing radiation.

Mechanisms Underlying Catalysis 
Mechanistic chemistry exploring how metals promote reactions for energy storage.

Molecules for Photovotaics
Seeking molecular principles for organic photovoltaics.

NOx and Radical Chemistry
Simple molecules with big impacts.

Electron Transfer and Redox Chemistry
Thermodynamics and kinetics of charge transfer including electrochemistry without electrodes and the Marcus theory in new milieu.