Ultrafast Dynamics in Complex Systems: Connecting the Molecular Architecture with the Functional Properties of Nanoscale Materials

在这个由化学学部实验物理化学项目资助的项目中，北卡罗来纳大学教堂山分校的John M. Papanikolas教授将研究材料的分子结构与其功能特性之间的联系，强调从光中获取能量并将能量转移到其他材料的系统。该项目的目标是结构和功能日益复杂的分层结构，即附着在聚合物链上形成功能亚结构的单体结构，这些亚结构又被组合成更大的纳米系统。重点是单体Ru（II）和Os（II）多吡啶配合物。超快光谱和计算机模拟将用于研究激发态能量输运和载流子传导。目标是确定在太阳能转换、LED器件和光学限制器等过程中决定性能的光物理因素。这个项目将有助于我们对复杂系统的理解，同时在研究项目的背景下促进教学、培训和学习。研究生和本科生将参与本研究。他们将获得技术知识和技能，同时体验实验的规划和成功执行，以及适应工作开展的更大背景。作为推广计划的一部分，Papanikolas教授将为小学生开发科学研讨会，并将对科学教育感兴趣的本科生纳入这些研讨会的开发中。

In this project, funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Prof. John M. Papanikolas of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will investigate the connection between the molecular architecture of a material and its functional properties, emphasizing systems that harvest energy from light and transfer that energy to other materials. The project targets hierarchical structures that exhibit increasing structural and functional complexity, namely monomer structures that are attached to polymer chains to form functional substructures, which in turn are combined to form larger nanosystems. The focus is on monomers that are Ru(II) and Os(II) polypyridil complexes. Ultrafast spectroscopy and computer simulation will be used to study excited state energy transport and charge carrier conduction. The goal is to identify the photophysical factors that dictate performance in processes such as solar energy conversion, LED devices, and optical limiters.This project will contribute to our understanding of complex systems while promoting teaching, training, and learning in the context of a research program. Graduate and undergraduate students will participate in this research. They will acquire technical knowledge and skills, while at the same time experience the planning and successful execution of experiments, as well as becoming attuned to the larger context within which the work is carried out. As part of an outreach program Prof. Papanikolas will develop science workshops for elementary school students and include undergraduate students interested in science education in the development of these workshops.