Probing the Birth and Ultrafast Dynamics of Hydrated Electrons at the Gold/Liquid Water Interface via an Optoelectronic Approach
J. Am. Chem. Soc.: RESOLV member Prof. R. Kramer Campen's study presents the development of a novel optoelectronic technique for the characterization of the birth and structural evolution of solvated electrons at the metal/liquid interface with a femtosecond time resolution.
This study explores how electrons behave at the gold-water interface, a key process in batteries, fuel cells, and electrochemical reactions. Using UV laser pulses, the study captures ultrafast electron dynamics on femtosecond to picosecond timescales, showing that electrons transition from a high-energy "hot" state to a solvated state, surrounded by water molecules. The new optoelectronic method developed allows real-time tracking of electron behavior, providing insights into how their interactions change with light.
