Dynamics of Lateral Processes in Monolayers and Bilayers at Interfaces

该项目属于分析和表面化学的一般领域，以及界面结构和动力学的子领域。这项研究的目的是加深对单层和双层组件中横向电荷和质量传输过程的动力学的了解。利用在美国国家科学基金会资助CHE-8504368期间取得的开创性进展，马吉达教授和他的学生将进行四个相关的研究：第一，他们将探索双层组装中的翻译扩散动力学作为单个组成的两亲分子结构的函数；第二，他们将确定在有组织的单层组件中横向发生的电子转移反应的动力学；第三，他们将表征两亲卟啉分子在单层中的反应性，作为一种可行的方法，将氧还原为水；第四，他们将探索有组织的单层组件在控制电极反应的选择性方面的适用性。这些研究推进利用了该小组最近发展起来的能力来设计和控制单分子组件的结构，并用新的电化学方法来探索这些系统的行为。此外，荧光光谱方法、朗缪尔-布洛杰特技术、荧光显微镜和接触角测量也将应用于这些实验工作。这项研究将有助于更好地理解分子在生物膜系统等有组织的单层和双层组件中的行为。此外，这些研究应该会为设计高效和选择性的电催化系统带来新的见解。

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.