Group extends the tradition of prof. Heyrovský disciples to research of electron
transfer reactions and adsorption of bio-active compounds, new organometallic catalysts,
supramolecular host-guest complexes and building blocks for molecular electronics.
Research is oriented to various mechanistic aspects of heterogeneous electron transfer reactions.
We study both organic and organometallic redox systems.
Our tools include most of electrochemical techniques
needed for elucidation of complicated reaction pathways.
Standard techniques are DC polarography, cyclic voltammetry, coulometry and preparative
electrolysis. These are complemented by AC techniques: AC polarography, electrochemical
impedance spectroscopy and time-dependent capacitance measurements. Fast chemical reactions
coupled with the electron transfer are monitored by voltammetry on ultra- microelectrodes.
Scan rates applicable in our group goes up to 100,000 V/s. Valuable informations are
obtained by in situ spectroelectro-chemistry, both UV-Vis and FT-IR. Spectral properties
are interpreted by quantum chemical methods.
Size-specific host-guest interactions of
redox active guests in nano-cavity of cyclodextrin guest molecules is a topic followed
for several past years. These studies include redox degradation of
pesticides (difenzoquat, s-triazines, dicarboximides, like vinclozolin and
related compounds) influenced by protecting environment of a molecular cavity.
Participating partners are from C.N.R. Pisa and University of Pisa.
We study organometallic complexes containing several redox sites.
Electronic communication betwen these sites is one of the topic.
This work is performed jointly with the University of Stuttgart and University of Turin.
Adsorption studies include predominantly the phase transition of
adsorbed monolayers yielding compact films.
We have shown in several instances substantial deviations from a simple models of
film growth. Interpretation on basis of an anisotropic growth is sought also by
Monte Carlo simulations. This topic of ordered molecular films launched a
cooperation with University of Colorado at Boulder (Prof. J. Michl).
Investigated systems are building blocks for potential construction of
molecular logic devices. In this respect we investigate interactions
adsorbate-metallic electrode which are important for anchoring molecular
structures to surfaces and further for an efficient electron transfer between
metallic electrodes and molecular wires.
Organometallic and adsorption topics
initiated a cooperation aimed at development of a sensitive detection method for
labelled proteins and possibly for an immunoassay application.
This work is performed jointly with Ecole Nationale Superieure de Chimie Paris.