Photochemistry and Biochemistry

Research is supported on the molecular mechanisms involved in the capture of light energy and its conversion into chemical and electrical energy through biological and chemical pathways. Fundamental research on natural photosynthesis provides insights for advancing bio-hybrid and artificial photosynthetic systems and for increasing photosynthetic efficiency in natural systems. Complementary fundamental research encompasses organic and inorganic photochemistry, photo- and bio-electrochemistry, electron and energy transfer, photo- and bio-catalysis, and molecular assemblies for artificial photosynthesis.

For more information about these research areas, please contact the Team Lead, Dr. B. Gail McLean.

Highlights

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Water-soluble and oil-soluble organic molecules effectively separate different elements in the lanthanide series of the Periodic Table.

“Tug of War” Tactic Enhances Chemical Separations for Critical Materials

Opposing teams of water-loving and oil-loving molecules separate metals called lanthanides that are important in developing clean energy technologies.

This image shows the variation in permeability in a network of fractures due to quartz dissolving in the fractures. Each plane represents an individual fracture in the network.

Filling in the Cracks: Scientists Improve Predictions for the Dissolution of Minerals in Rock Fractures

A new correction factor for predicting dissolution rates uses measurable geological properties in fractured media.