Structure and Dynamics in Surface Reactions

Princeton University, Princeton NJ

Investigators

Abstract

The Analytical and Surface Chemistry (ASC) program supports the research program of Prof. Steven Bernasek of the Department of Chemistry at Princeton University. Prof. Bernasek and his students will address fundamental questions of structure and reactivity in well characterized organic monolayers and thin films adsorbed on solid surfaces. They will examine the formation of organic monolayer structures, with particular emphasis on the formation of chiral monolayers, peptide oligomer monolayers, and nanopatterned surfaces, primarily using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM). The project will provide fundamental information about the structure and reactivity of organic monolayers and thin films, which may help to answer questions about the development of chirality in living systems. Information from this work may be also useful in the design of chiral separations media and chirally active catalysts. The project will provide excellent training opportunities to students in an important research field of great interest to multiple industries.