Dynamics of Lateral Processes in Monolayers and Bilayers at Interfaces

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This project is in the general area of analytical and surface chemistry and in the subfield of interfacial structure and dynamics. The goal of this research is to develop an understanding of the dynamics of lateral charge and mass transport processes in monolayer and bilayer assemblies. Drawing upon pioneering advances made during the tenure of NSF grant CHE-8504368, Professor Majda and his students will pursue four related research thrusts: In the first, they will explore the dynamics of translational diffusion in bilayer assemblies as a function of the structure of the individual constituent amphiphiles; second, they will determine the kinetics of electron transfer reactions taking place laterally in organized monolayer assemblies; third, they will characterize the reactivity of amphiphilic porphyrin molecules in monolayers as a viable approach to the electrocatalytic reduction of oxygen to water; and fourth, they will explore the applicability of organized monolayer assemblies to the control of the selectivity of electrode reactions. These research thrusts take advantage of this group's recently developed abilities to design and control the structure of monomolecular assemblies and to probe the behavior of these systems with novel electrochemical methods. Also, fluorescence spectroscopic methods, Langmuir-Blodgett techniques, epifluorescence microscopy, and contact angle measurements will be applied in these experimental efforts. This research will contribute to an enhanced understanding of the behavior of molecules in organized monolayer and bilayer assemblies such as biological membrane systems. Additionally, these studies should give rise to new insights into the design of efficient and selective electrocatalytic systems.