Objective
Research objectives and content PROPOSAL ABSTRACT
TIME-RESOLVED PHOTOTHERMAL STUDIES WITH PHOTOINDUCED ELECTRON TRANFER REACTIONS IN NON-AQUEOUS SOLUTION
Time-resolved photothermal methods (laser-induced optoacoustic spectroscopy, LIOAS, and photothermal beam deflection, PDB) have been used in several groups (in particular in Braslavsky's group) to study the kinetics, as well as the time-resolved thermodynamics and density changes in several biological supramolecular systems, e.g. photosynthetic units. In order to understand the origin of the structural volume changes, model systems should be analysed. For intramolecular electron transfer reactions in homologous series of organic solvents electrostriction (using the continuum model) explains only in part the structural volume changes. Additional molecular rearrangements are needed to fully explain the results. In some cases variations in the solvation enthalpy changes along a solvent series might impair the proper interpretation of the results. Acceptor-bridgeDonor systems containing fullerenes bridged to aniline donors, synthesized by the candidate (Williams) during his PhD work, as well as other compounds, will be studied as model systems for photoinduced electron transfer reactions. The influence of the medium on the volume changes determined by laser-induced spectroscopy will be analyzed. A comprehensive model including intrinsic, electrostrictive, and solute-solvent specific interactions will be developed to explain the changes observed. This model should serve to explain and predict the results obtained with photosynthetic and photosynthesis-mimetic systems. Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
The researcher will be trained in the development and application of Laser Induced OptoAcoustic Spectroscopy (LIOAS) to chemical problems. This will complement the knowledge of the researcher of various spectroscopic techniques.
Links with industry / industrial relevance (22)
Fields of science
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships)Coordinator
45413 MUELHEIM AN DER RUHR
Germany