Developing a Molecular Picture of Environmentally Important Processes at Liquid Surfaces with a Coupled Experimental and Theoretical Approach

化学学部的环境化学科学（ECS）项目将支持俄勒冈大学Geraldine Richmond教授的研究项目。Richmond教授和她的研究小组将采用非线性光学方法，结合支持粒度和zeta电位测量以及分子动力学模拟，以提供分子水平上对水溶液与油、气体和大分子系统接触界面的吸收和反应过程的见解。研究的重点是：1)了解表面活性剂、聚合物和分散剂在水和有机液体（油）之间的平面和颗粒界面上的行为；ii)了解气体和小有机分子在水溶液表面的吸附、溶剂化和反应性。对水/油界面的分子水平的了解将有助于更好地评估和预测石油泄漏造成的环境破坏，比如2010年墨西哥湾的“深地平线”石油泄漏。该研究将为在环境界面化学领域寻求培训的学生和研究生提供良好的培训机会。里士满教授和她的学生将开展广泛的外展活动，向公众解释他们研究的重要性，并继续他们正在进行的活动，以扩大妇女和少数民族对科学的参与。

The Environmental Chemical Sciences (ECS) program of the Division of Chemistry will support the research program of Prof. Geraldine Richmond of the University of Oregon. Prof. Richmond and her research group will employ non-linear optical methods in combination with supporting particle size and zeta potential measurements and molecular dynamic simulations to is to provide molecular level insights into absorptive and reactive processes at the interface of aqueous solutions in contact with oils, gases, and macromolecular systems. The studies focus on: i) understanding the behavior of surfactants, polymers and dispersants at planar and particle interfaces between water and an organic liquid (oil); and ii) understanding the adsorption, solvation and reactivity of gases and small organic molecules on the surface of aqueous solutions. Molecular level understanding of the water/oil interface will enable better assessment and prediction of environmental damage due to oil spills like the 2010 Deep Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The study will provide excellent training opportunities to students and postgraduates who seek training in the area of environmental interface chemistry. Prof. Richmond and her students will carry out extensive outreach activities to explain the importance of their research to the general public and continue their on-going activities to broaden participation of women and minorities in science.