Femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopy of ion-solvation dynamics at metal-electrolyte interfaces

About the topic

Ion-solvent interaction and electron transfer across the ion-metal hybrid interfaces are of fundamental interest because of their widespread application in energy storage and energy conversion. We aim to understand the effect of solvation on the elementary processes involved in electrochemical applications by developing microscopic insight into the hybrid interfaces. Electron transfer across such interfaces and the consequent relaxation dynamics are the key microscopic steps behind all these applications which occur on femtosecond time scales. We use femtosecond time-resolved two-photon photoelectron (2PPE) spectroscopy to unfold the underlying elementary dynamics across the complex interface. The challenges are inherent in each step starting from the time-resolved experimental setup equipped with a tunable femtosecond laser system to the surface preparation and characterization methods under ultra-high vacuum. The strategic approach toward the challenges could unravel some fundamental and unresolved open questions.

What we expect from the students

For this solvation student challenge program, we expect motivated experimental researchers interested in surface science, physical chemistry, solvation research and ultrafast spectroscopy. A prior experience with state-of-the-art ultrafast Ti:sapphire LASER system or ultra-high vacuum would be appreciated but is not mandatory.

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