In a study published Feb. 15 in Nature Chemistry, a research team led by Professor and Chair Munira Khalil has for the first time captured the rapid motions of solvent molecules that impact light-driven electron transfer in a molecular complex. This information could help researchers learn how to control energy flow in molecules, potentially leading to more efficient clean energy sources.
UW co-authors on the paper are Zachary Fox and James Gaynor, both doctoral alumni in chemistry; undergraduate alumna Julia Carlstad; and Chelsea Liekhus-Schmaltz, a postdoctoral researcher in chemistry. This work is a collaboration between the UW and scientists at PNNL and SLAC.
This work was supported by Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences. The use of the following DOE Office of Science User Facilities is acknowledged: Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Advanced Photon Source, Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center.
Read the full story featured on UW News.
For more information about Prof. Khalil and her research, visit her faculty page or research group website.