Project B05

Mechanisms of photochemical reactions at metallic nanoparticles

Principal investigators: Stefan Hecht, Evgenii Titov

This project aims at uncovering unique features of photochemical transformations in close proximity to metal nanoparticles. Prototypical photoreactions with large thermal activation barriers in the ground state will be studied at and between metal nanoparticles to decipher their underlying mechanisms and to develop a general approach to carry out photochemical transformations at lower excitation energies and with higher efficiencies.

Position 1 (ID no. CRC1636B05-1/2023; Prof. Stefan Hecht, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin):

Responsibilities:

Synthesis of a variety of photoreactive molecules and study of their photochemistry in solution, subsequent interfacing with metal nanoparticles and investigating the photoreactivity of the resulting hybrid materials depending on key molecular/material design parameters.

Qualifications:

Excellent Master's degree in chemistry, material science or similar at the time of project start. The candidate should have a strong background in organic chemistry and ideally also physical chemistry. Expertise in the work with dyes and/or nanoparticles is of advantage. The candidate should be open-minded, highly motivated, communicative and keen to work in an interdisciplinary group of scientists.