Project description
Deciphering the mechanisms of vibrational strong coupling
Polaritonic chemistry is a developing field that merges chemistry and cavity quantum electrodynamics. Of particular interest is vibrational strong coupling (VSC) and its ability to modify the rate and yield of reactions, solvent polarity and other molecular properties in the absence of light. This opens up new possibilities for synthesis and materials science to edit and control chemical reactions. However, to reach its full potential, a better understanding of the mechanisms by which VSC influences material properties is needed. The ERC-funded UnMySt project aims to develop a robust framework for cavity-controlled chemistry, based on a thorough mechanistic understanding of VSC at the molecular level. This will pave the way for the rational design of strongly coupled molecular systems.
Objective
Polaritonic Chemistry is a new and exciting field that has emerged from the fusion of chemistry and cavity quantum electrodynamics. In this innovative realm, and specifically under Vibrational Strong Coupling (VSC), hybridizing molecular vibrations with electromagnetic cavity modes has been shown to modify the rate and yield of reactions, solvent polarity and other molecular properties, in the absence of any illumination. The prospects for VSC as a versatile tool for chemistry and materials science have sparked a worldwide surge of interest, leading to substantial advances in recent years. Nevertheless, deciphering the underlying mechanisms by which VSC affects material properties still poses formidable challenges, impeding the utilization of VSC to its full potential. The goal of UnMySt is to construct a complete framework for cavity-controlled chemistry, built upon a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of VSC on both the molecular and supramolecular levels. As leading scientists in the field, we will pursue this goal by joining our forces in seeking answers to these pivotal questions:
1. What is the mechanism that links the local character of molecular reactivity with the collective nature of VSC?
2. Do the thermal equilibrium properties of materials change under VSC and how are such modifications expressed in polaritonic chemistry?
3. What are the manifestations of VSC on non-equilibrium dynamics such as solvent reorganization or charge transfer?
4. Can symmetry considerations provide intuitive guidelines for cavity-controlled chemistry? Can symmetries imposed or broken by the cavity be used to tailor its impact on reactivity?
Our synergistic experimental and theoretical efforts will reveal novel physical mechanisms and will lay the qualitative and quantitative foundations for the rational design of strongly coupled molecular systems. The results of UnMyST will unleash the potential of polaritonic chemistry as a new tool for synthesis and materials science.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-SYG - HORIZON ERC Synergy Grants
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-SyG
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69978 Tel Aviv
Israel
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