The formation of negative ions and neutrals in the gas phase. Structure, reactivity and mechanism. Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to provide information concerning the structure of a chemical compound: it is particularly useful when dealing with small amounts of biologically important molecules. It is also a facility in which charged species can be converted into transient neutrals. This project will (i) produce information about negative ion fragmentations in order to extend ....The formation of negative ions and neutrals in the gas phase. Structure, reactivity and mechanism. Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to provide information concerning the structure of a chemical compound: it is particularly useful when dealing with small amounts of biologically important molecules. It is also a facility in which charged species can be converted into transient neutrals. This project will (i) produce information about negative ion fragmentations in order to extend the applicability of analytical negative-ion mass spectrometry, (ii) form neutral molecules and related species which are found in stellar dust clouds and investigate their chemistry, and (iii) train graduates in ion chemistry to the highest international standards.Read moreRead less
Reaction transition states of halide-cluster complexes via velocity-map imaging of photoelectrons. This study will investigate the transition point between the reactants and products of a chemical reaction using a novel photoelectron imaging technique, velocity-map imaging. It is this region of chemical reactions that is the least understood. By combining the use of weakly bound negatively charged clusters and laser photodetachment of these clusters, information can be gleaned about these transi ....Reaction transition states of halide-cluster complexes via velocity-map imaging of photoelectrons. This study will investigate the transition point between the reactants and products of a chemical reaction using a novel photoelectron imaging technique, velocity-map imaging. It is this region of chemical reactions that is the least understood. By combining the use of weakly bound negatively charged clusters and laser photodetachment of these clusters, information can be gleaned about these transition states. The technique will be applied to an important class of halide-cluster complexes that form a set of prototypical reactions. These species also play important roles ranging from ozone depletion through to industrial chemistry.Read moreRead less
Gas phase studies of reactive organic radicals: a novel approach using mass spectrometry. Radical reactions play a crucial role in a range of important chemistries, ranging from the formation of photochemical smog to the accumulation of pathogens in the ageing body. Despite their importance, the reactions of many radicals are poorly understood because of current experimental limitations. In this project we propose to develop two new and broadly applicable techniques for probing radical chemistry ....Gas phase studies of reactive organic radicals: a novel approach using mass spectrometry. Radical reactions play a crucial role in a range of important chemistries, ranging from the formation of photochemical smog to the accumulation of pathogens in the ageing body. Despite their importance, the reactions of many radicals are poorly understood because of current experimental limitations. In this project we propose to develop two new and broadly applicable techniques for probing radical chemistry in the gas phase via novel applications of mass spectrometry. Combined with quantum chemical calculations and state-of-the-art thermodynamic measurements these methods will provide a comprehensive understanding of the reactivity of key organic radicals.Read moreRead less
Molecular signatures of complex photodissociation reactions. All energy on earth comes from the sun, either directly (e.g photosynthesis) or indirectly (e.g fossil fuels). Photochemistry is the study of how this light is absorbed and what happens to a molecule afterwards. Despite significant experimental and theoretical advances in the past decade (some in our lab), scientists still cannot predict the outcomes of most photochemical reactions. In this project we will determine the reactivity o ....Molecular signatures of complex photodissociation reactions. All energy on earth comes from the sun, either directly (e.g photosynthesis) or indirectly (e.g fossil fuels). Photochemistry is the study of how this light is absorbed and what happens to a molecule afterwards. Despite significant experimental and theoretical advances in the past decade (some in our lab), scientists still cannot predict the outcomes of most photochemical reactions. In this project we will determine the reactivity of several small, fundamental organic molecules. Not only are these molecules pollutants around our cities, but discovery of how they react in the presence of light will allow us to understand and predict the photochemistry of a much wider range of organic species.Read moreRead less
Photodissociation Dynamics of Radicals and Molecules. Photodissociation dynamics involves studying fundamental chemical processes that underpin all chemical reactivity. We address three of the important unanswered questions in this field: i) how do the lessons learned from small molecules transfer to larger molecules? ii) can one control chemical reactivity by selecting specific states of the reactant?; and iii) are the dynamics of radicals fundamentally different to stable molecules? We wi ....Photodissociation Dynamics of Radicals and Molecules. Photodissociation dynamics involves studying fundamental chemical processes that underpin all chemical reactivity. We address three of the important unanswered questions in this field: i) how do the lessons learned from small molecules transfer to larger molecules? ii) can one control chemical reactivity by selecting specific states of the reactant?; and iii) are the dynamics of radicals fundamentally different to stable molecules? We will combine expertise in large molecule spectroscopy and photodissociation dynamics with technology in radical production to provide insight into these fundamental questions. Photodissociation dynamics is firmly embedded in photon science and technology.Read moreRead less
Atmospheric Free-Radicals: Exploring the Role of Nitrate Radicals in the Oxidative Damage of Bio-Surfaces. This project falls within the National Research Priority 2 (Promoting and Maintaining Good Health) as identified by the ARC, specifically Priority Goal 2 (Ageing well, ageing productively) and Priority Goal 3 (Preventive healthcare). The study will lead to a better understanding of environmental factors influencing health and welfare of Australians every age and will provide unique opport ....Atmospheric Free-Radicals: Exploring the Role of Nitrate Radicals in the Oxidative Damage of Bio-Surfaces. This project falls within the National Research Priority 2 (Promoting and Maintaining Good Health) as identified by the ARC, specifically Priority Goal 2 (Ageing well, ageing productively) and Priority Goal 3 (Preventive healthcare). The study will lead to a better understanding of environmental factors influencing health and welfare of Australians every age and will provide unique opportunities for students to be trained in cutting-edge basic research. Knowledge and fundamental understanding of the damage of bio-surfaces caused by atmospheric free-radical oxidants and their potential role in ageing processes will help to develop novel medical strategies, which substantially contribute to the quality of Australian sciences.Read moreRead less
Graphene - the new frontier electromaterial for rechargeable lithium batteries and supercapacitors. Global warming and climate change have triggered an intensive demand for clean energy sources to replace fossil fuels. Graphene, as an emerging novel material, can serve as a medium for highly efficient energy storage and conversion in electrochemical devices. This project will lead to the development of novel renewable energy storage and conversion technology for transportation and distributed en ....Graphene - the new frontier electromaterial for rechargeable lithium batteries and supercapacitors. Global warming and climate change have triggered an intensive demand for clean energy sources to replace fossil fuels. Graphene, as an emerging novel material, can serve as a medium for highly efficient energy storage and conversion in electrochemical devices. This project will lead to the development of novel renewable energy storage and conversion technology for transportation and distributed energy supplies. The outcomes of this research will increase our national energy security, facilitate achievement of the Federal government's target of 20% renewable energy in 2020, and bring significant economic and environmental benefits for Australia.Read moreRead less
New insights into free radical reactivity via gas phase studies of radical anions. Free radicals are known to be critical reactive intermediates in chemical processes ranging from the formation of photochemical smog, through combustion to the onset of age-related diseases. This research increases our understanding of how free radicals react and will thus allow for more accurate prediction, and in some instances greater control, of the outcomes of chemical reactions and their health and environme ....New insights into free radical reactivity via gas phase studies of radical anions. Free radicals are known to be critical reactive intermediates in chemical processes ranging from the formation of photochemical smog, through combustion to the onset of age-related diseases. This research increases our understanding of how free radicals react and will thus allow for more accurate prediction, and in some instances greater control, of the outcomes of chemical reactions and their health and environmental consequences. New instrumental technologies will be developed and young Australian researchers will be trained here, and with collaborators in the USA, in state-of-the-art techniques (particularly in mass spectrometry) that are essential to our emerging technology-based economy.Read moreRead less
Novel Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy applications in molecular, supramolecular electrochemistry and biological systems. Improved understanding of chemical reactivity in natural and artificial molecular systems and acquisition of a wider perspective of electron transfer processes are two important challenges in chemistry and biology. Through this well defined research project, the CI, jointly with the host facility, has the skills to achieve valuable new insights. This project will expand Au ....Novel Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy applications in molecular, supramolecular electrochemistry and biological systems. Improved understanding of chemical reactivity in natural and artificial molecular systems and acquisition of a wider perspective of electron transfer processes are two important challenges in chemistry and biology. Through this well defined research project, the CI, jointly with the host facility, has the skills to achieve valuable new insights. This project will expand Australia's knowledge base and research capability and open new scenarios for frontier technologies and advanced materials. This project will introduce the SECM methods into Australia. The foreseen benefits include technology exchange and contribution to fundamental and applied science.Read moreRead less
A new approach to the generation of long-lived charge-separated states in rigid Donor-Bridge-Acceptor systems. Electron transfer and energy transfer are ubiquitous in nature and they provide the key to the design of energy transducing materials. Considerable effort is being expended into studying light-induced electron transfer which leads to the formation of a charge-separated state or molecular "battery". To be useful, these batteries should have lifetimes at least in the microsecond domain ....A new approach to the generation of long-lived charge-separated states in rigid Donor-Bridge-Acceptor systems. Electron transfer and energy transfer are ubiquitous in nature and they provide the key to the design of energy transducing materials. Considerable effort is being expended into studying light-induced electron transfer which leads to the formation of a charge-separated state or molecular "battery". To be useful, these batteries should have lifetimes at least in the microsecond domain and this is not easily achieved in practice. This project will explore a new, elegant, and promising approach to the efficient generation of very long-lived charge-separated states in rigid systems, which is based on triplet sensitisation.
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