Electrostatic Catalysis: guiding reactive interfaces using electric fields

该项目旨在定量了解静电在化学过程中的作用。有机化合物在界面上的化学转化支撑着一些最重要的过程，从生产用于制药的精细化学品到协助清洁技术中污染物的生物降解。最近的计算研究表明，通过在界面处施加定向电场，可以随意改变化学过程的速率和选择性。该项目旨在检验这些理论发现。这项研究产生的知识可能转化为精细化学和生物技术工业的新技术。

This project seeks to gain quantitative understanding of the role of electrostatics over chemical processes. Chemical transformations of organic compounds at interfaces underpin some of the most important processes, from the production of fine chemicals for pharmaceuticals to assisting bio-degradation of pollutants in clean technologies. Recent computational studies suggest that by applying oriented electric fields at interfaces, the rate and the selectivity of chemical processes can be altered at will. The project intends to test these theoretical findings. The knowledge generated by this research may translate into new technologies for the fine-chemical and biotechnology industries.