The
objective of this research is to develop an understanding of how molecular
motions can be used to control photoinduced chemical processes. The research
aims to determine what interplay of nuclear coordinates is most efficient in
driving photoinduced charge transfers, a necessary first step in most
photovoltaic and photocatalytic devices. Systems such as molecular crystals or
polycrystalline films are promising for solar energy conversion, but the role
that specific molecular structural features play in driving charge transfer is
currently unknown. To determine the mechanism of processes such as ultrafast
charge transfer, singlet fission, and long-range transport, a structurally
sensitive technique with high time resolution is needed to monitor molecular structures
along the reactive multidimensional potential energy surfaces. This work will
utilize femtosecond stimulated Raman microscopy to track the nuclear dynamics
driving charge transfer and to probe the effects of localized environments on
long-range charge transport. By following the structural evolution of
photoreactive molecular solids on the timescale of their nuclear motion, this
work will provide multidimensional reaction coordinates and uncover molecular
structure-function relationships. This fundamental knowledge should ultimately
guide rational design of highly efficient photovoltaic and photocatalytic
systems by determining how, when, and where energy is lost during charge
generation and transport.