CAREER: Structure, Dynamics and Reactivity at Electrode Interfaces

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This Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) project, supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, focuses on very fundamental studies of the behavior of water at electrochemical interfaces. Professor Borguet and his students at the University of Pittsburgh will use optical second harmonic generation (SHG) and sum frequency generation methods to probe the orientation, structure, and dynamics of the interfacial water layer at metal electrode interfaces. The respective roles of electrolyte concentration and electrode potential will be evaluated. This CAREER project will seek to improve science literacy for non-science majors by developing a unified course inclusive of most of the science disciplines. Outreach to high school students will be undertaken by Professor Borguet through greater use of modern instrumentation in the University of Pittsburgh Chemistry Van Program. The interaction of water with metallic surfaces is of great technological importance, but is still not well understood on a fundamental level. Professor Borguet and his students at the University of Pittsburgh will use a suite of optical techniques to study the physical structure of water molecules at electrode surfaces. This CAREER project provides graduate students with a system which intimately ties fundamental chemical reactivity with a topic of great technological importance; corrosion. Professor Borguet will make contributions to improving the scientific literacy of non-science majors through curriculum development and capturing the interest of high school students through participation in the University of Pittsburgh Chemistry Van Program.