Objective Understanding the solvation of an ion at the molecular level is a cornerstone of physical chemistry. For anions in water, the interactions are particularly complex, with some simple anions exhibiting surface activity. The most fundamental aqueous anion is the hydrated electron and it represents a benchmark for understanding solvation and electron-water interactions in solution. However, despite the hydrated electron’s apparent simplicity and its technological and scientific importance, it remains at the centre of much debate. Questions concerning its structure and solvation at interfaces are currently highly contentious. In this proposal, a number of complementary approaches are applied to the study of aqueous interfacial electrons with the aim of gaining a new understanding of the solvation structure, dynamics and reactivity of this species. Specifically, gas-phase clusters will be used as molecular-level laboratories to gain a fundamental understanding of the electron-water interactions as well as solvation motifs and dynamics. These will also be used to explore the reactivity of electrons bound at the interface of water with atmospheric and biologically pertinent molecules. In parallel to the cluster studies, dynamics and reactivity of the electron at the ambient water interface will also be studied using non-linear spectroscopy. Together, these studies will provide an in depth understanding of electron solvation and its importance as a reactive species at aqueous interfaces. Fields of science natural scienceschemical sciencesphysical chemistrynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-PE4 - ERC Starting Grant - Physical and Analytical Chemical sciences Call for proposal ERC-2012-StG_20111012 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution UNIVERSITY OF DURHAM EU contribution € 1 839 322,00 Address STOCKTON ROAD THE PALATINE CENTRE DH1 3LE Durham United Kingdom See on map Region North East (England) Tees Valley and Durham Durham CC Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Jan Raf Rogier Verlet (Dr.) Administrative Contact Wendy Harle (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITY OF DURHAM United Kingdom EU contribution € 1 839 322,00 Address STOCKTON ROAD THE PALATINE CENTRE DH1 3LE Durham See on map Region North East (England) Tees Valley and Durham Durham CC Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Jan Raf Rogier Verlet (Dr.) Administrative Contact Wendy Harle (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
