Research Highlights
Size changes of spherical bottlebrushes in linear melt
Spherical bottlebrushes change the size depending on the molecular weight of the linear host matrix. Small-angle neutron scattering allowed to detect these changes, resulting in decreasing bottlebrush radii with increasing molecular weight of the linear host matrix. Additionally, aggregation can be observed in the largest host matrix at the highest concentration.
BODIPYs with restricted meso-8-aryl rotation
Boron dipyrromethenes (BODIPYs) bearing multiple methyl substituents and a meso-8-aryl group were synthesized and investigated, both experimentally and computationally. The free rotation of the meso-8-aryl group is prevented due to the presence of the 1,7-dimethyl groups and of ortho-substituents on the meso-8-aryl ring, resulting in BODIPY derivatives with high fluorescence quantum yields, independent of the solvent viscosity.
Probing weak hydrogen bonds with Time-Resolved Spectroscopy
Weak hydrogen bonds between the highly polarized hydrogen atom of chloroform and the amide carbonyl were proved and probed via linear and nonlinear IR spectroscopic techniques. Experiments showed that weak hydrogen bonds have an energetics of few kcal/mol and are responsible for distinguishable arrangements of chloroform molecules around carbonyl groups.
Thermal and chemical effects of fillers on free-radical frontal polymerization
Filled systems are important for the development of materials through frontal polymerization. Fillers are added to control the rheological properties of the formulation and to enhance the mechanical properties of products. Results demonstrate that some fillers can increase front velocity through their high thermal diffusivities while others decrease it by acting as radical scavengers.
Utilizing Engineered Soil Surrogates to Study Environmental, Ecological, and Agricultural Processes
A novel model approach was developed and applied to gain a molecular-level understanding of environmental pollutant/soil interactions. The approach provides a scalable platform with molecular-level control of the soil organic matter (SOM) chemical composition and structure, allowing one to examine proposed SOM interactions with agricultural chemicals and beyond.
Probing Electron Spins in Enzymes Biosynthesis
MCD and EPR probing of the nitrogenase M cluster precursors electron spins dynamics suggests new mechanisms of enzymes biosynthesis and substrate binding. Additional ongoing ultrafast electron-scale investigations are carried out to get better understanding of such mechanisms.
News and Events
Improving Water Quality
The Elgrishi research group is helping to improve water quality through the detection and reduction of chromium.
Wang Receives ACS Grant to Study Petroleum-Related Materials
Virginia Rice Williams
Virginia Rice Williams Hall represents a legacy of scientific contributions by a woman in chemistry. Learn more about the life and legacy of Dr. Virginia Rice Williams.
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