Molecular Photochemistry and Photophysics (inactive)
Molecular Photochemistry and Photophysics group utilizes time-resolved laser spectroscopy from femtosecond to millisecond time scales on various molecular systems.
Overview
Core fields of research
Basic natural phenomena and mathematical thinking
Research areas
Nanoscience Center
Second quantum revolution
Chemical Nanoscience
Faculty
Faculty of Mathematics and Science
Department
Department of Chemistry
Research group description
Our research is focused on detailed investigations of excited-state proton-transfer (ESPT) reactions in different media. In particular, we are interested in the influence of the environment on acidity, proton transfer and proton diffusion in liquid solutions and heterogeneous media. Most of our research is carried out on “super” photoacids, compounds that are weak acids in their electronic ground-states but become extremely strong acids in their excited-state. In our work, we utilize several optical spectroscopic techniques and quantum chemical calculations to investigate both the ground and excited-state properties of photoacids and other solvatochromic dyes. Read more about our Research topics and check our latest Publications below for further details.
Solvation dynamics can have a direct influence on ultrafast photochemical reactions (e.g. proton transfer) and is therefore of key importance for our research. We utilize femtosecond broadband FLuorescence UP-conversion Spectroscopy (FLUPS) for detailed investigations on solvation dynamics in polar liquids and heterogeneous media. We are interested in how the chemical structure of solutes and dielectric properties of solvents influences the time scale of the solvent relaxation. In addition, we are developing novel methods for the analysis of the broadband fluorescence data.
Excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) in organic solvents forms the core of our research interests. We utilize a large range of optical spectroscopic methods for detailed investigations on the mechanism and dynamics of ESPT reactions. Our work relies on “super” photoacids, acids that have negative excited-state acidities and are able to deprotonate in several organic solvents. Our research questions are focused on the influence of solvation dynamics as well as macroscopic solvent parameters (e.g. dielectric constant, acidity, viscosity etc.) on the ground-state acidity and ESPT to solvent and organic bases.
Last research topic is focused on studying acidity, proton transfer and proton diffusion in biological media such as phospholipid liposomes and protein environment. The research on liposomes relies on specially designed photoacids that can the anchored on the membrane surface. Due to the thorough understanding of the influence of the environment on ESPT, the properties of the photoacids in these media are expected to provide direct information about the local biological environment. Therefore, the main research questions are related to the properties of the biological media rather than to the proton transfer itself.
