Steering surface molecular reactions and properties with self-assembly strategy

Title

Steering surface molecular reactions and properties with self-assembly strategy

Speaker

Prof. Kai Wu (Peking University, China)

Host

Prof. Kai Huang (GTIIT, Chemistry)

Time and Location

Jun. 27 2022, Monday, 11:00am-12:00pm(China Time), E210 (Education Building, 2nd floor)

Language

English

Zoom

https://gtiit.zoom.us/j/94609938903

Abstract

Controlling molecular assembly at surface is one of the major challenges in surface chemistry. Molecular assembly can be employed to tweak surface reaction kinetics by changing the pre-exponential factor of the Arrhenius equation. The molecular assembly strategy can fine-tune the molecular docking patterns, restrict molecular adsorption sites, tweak local molecular collision, and accordingly enhance surface reaction probability. In practical applications, it functions in two aspects: assembly-assisted and assembly-involved reactions. Its main effects are threefold: tweak the reaction selectivity, change the reaction pathway and restrict the reaction site. In this presentation, I will present several case studies to demonstrate how to employ the molecular self-assembly strategy to steer surface reactions. In fact, it can also be used to steer the properties of individual molecules on surfaces. Therefore such a molecular assembly strategy actually opens up new routes to steer molecular reactions and properties on surfaces.

Biography

Dr. Kai Wu, now a chemistry professor at College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering (CCME), Peking University (PKU), China, By exploiting the periodic structures and potentials, symmetry breaking and coordination unsaturation of solid surfaces, he has been working in surface physical chemistry. Currently he mainly studies controlled growth of surface nanostructures, surface molecular adsorption/assembly/reaction, model catalysis, molecular spintronics, and ion chemistry. Dr. Kai Wu obtained a B.S. degree in chemistry from Zhejiang University in 1987 and graduated with a PhD degree in physical chemistry in 1991 at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). He moved to Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck Gesellschaft, Germany, in 1995, to study the structural changes of single crystal electrodes, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, USA, in 1998, to study the ion migration across water-oil interfaces. By the end of 2000, Dr. Kai Wu assumed the professorship position at CCME, PKU. He served as Director of Institute of Physical Chemistry, Vice Dean and Dean of CCME, and Vice Dean, Faculty of Science, PKU. Dr. Kai Wu is Boya Distinguished Professor, PKU, and Changjiang Professor of MOE, China. He is currently serving as an Associate Editor of Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, Chemistry Bulletin, and Research, on the editorial board of Chinese Chemistry Letters, and on the advisory board of Advanced Materials Interfaces. He has published about 180 peer-reviewed papers and delivered more than 100 plenary/invited talks at various international occasions.