Experimental Studies of Friction and Nuclear Motion in Electron Tunneling in Supermolecules

匹兹堡大学化学系的David H. Waldeck教授，因其对超分子系统中电子转移的研究而受到有机和大分子化学计划的支持。目前的项目研究电子转移反应的一个方面，包括电子位移和原子位移。瓦尔德克教授将检验一个最普遍的假设，即反应速率要么由电子的运动控制，要么由原子的运动控制。提出的研究将验证这一假设，并发展我们对这两种极限情况下电子转移反应如何演变的理解。这项工作是在一个非常重要的领域，因为电子转移影响化学，物理和生物学的所有领域。在有机和大分子化学项目的支持下，匹兹堡大学化学系的David H. Waldeck教授将在他正在进行的由美国国家科学基金会资助的控制电子远距离转移动力学因素的研究成功的基础上进行研究。特别是，溶剂动力学的作用，以及没有共价键到供体或受体中心的干预基团，将被检查。这些都是目前电子转移领域的热门话题，Waldeck博士的研究对我们理解电子转移现象，特别是在生物系统中的电子转移现象有很大的贡献。这项工作的结果将通过科学会议和出版物进行交流。学生培训是本研究项目的重要组成部分，特别强调从代表性不足的群体中吸引学生。研究生和本科生都将接受现代激光方法、光谱学和纳米技术的培训。

Professor David H. Waldeck, of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh, is supported by the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program for his studies of electron transfer in supramolecular systems. The current project examines an aspect of electron transfer reactions involving both electron displacement and the displacements of atoms. Professor Waldeck will test the most common assumption, or hypothesis, that the reaction rate is controlled by either the electron's movement or the movement of the atoms. The proposed studies will test this hypothesis and develop our understanding of how electron transfer reactions evolve between these two limiting cases. This work is in an exceptionally important area since electron transfer impacts all areas of chemistry, physics and biology. With the support of the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program, Professor David H. Waldeck, of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh, will build upon the success of his on-going NSF-sponsored research into the factors that control the kinetics of electron transfer-at-a-distance. In particular, the roles of solvent dynamics, and of intervening groups that are not covalently bonded to the donor or acceptor centers, are to be examined. These are hot topics in the electron transfer field at present, and Dr. Waldeck's research has excellent potential to make a significant contribution to our understanding of the electron transfer phenomenon, particularly in biological systems. The results of this work will be communicated through scientific conferences and publications. Student training is an essential element of this research program with particular emphasis being placed on attracting students from underrepresented groups. Both graduate and undergraduate students will be trained in modern laser methods, spectroscopy, and nanotechnology.