Reagent Orientation and Electron Transfer Dynamics

本研究由化学系实验物理化学项目资助，由Philip R.莱斯大学的布鲁克斯将研究电子转移反应以及它们如何依赖于受体分子的几何形状和分子结构。 原子和定向分子的交叉束实验将通过碰撞诱导电子转移产生离子对。其目的是通过探索一些简单分子的各种取代基的作用来深入了解电子转移过程，从而确定这些基团是否起到隐藏未占据分子轨道的作用，或者它们是否为攻击原子提供了一个笼子。 这项研究的结果将对模拟光合作用过程中阳光的能量产生、分子电子学和其他技术过程产生影响，所有这些都取决于电流的流动，从而取决于基本水平的电子转移过程。 研究生和本科生将参与这项研究。 因此，他们将获得知识和技能，为他们在学术界，工业界或国家实验室的高级研究或就业做好准备。

In this project, funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Professor Philip R. Brooks of Rice University will study electron transfer reactions and how they depend on the geometry and molecular structure of the acceptor molecule. Crossed beam experiments of atoms and oriented molecules will produce ion pairs through collision-induced electron transfer. The purpose is to obtain insight into the electron transfer process by exploring the effect of various substituent groups for some simple molecules, so as to determine if these groups function to hide the unoccupied molecular orbital or if they provide a cage for the attacking atom. The results of this research will have bearing on energy production from sunlight in processes mimicking photosynthesis, on molecular electronics, and other technological processes, all of which depend on the flow of electric current and thus on electron transfer processes at the fundamental level. Graduate and undergraduate students will participate in this research. They will thereby acquire knowledge and skills that prepare them for advanced studies or employment in academia, industry, or national laboratories.