Molecular bonding and interactions at aqueous surfaces as probed by vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy.

TL;DR: Her research group uses a combination of linear and nonlinear optical methods, thermodynamic measurements, and theory to characterize interactions at aqueous surfaces, metal and semiconductor surfaces in contact with liquids and adsorbates, and liquid/liquid interfaces.

Abstract: Aqueous surfaces and interfaces are important in many physical, chemical, and biological processes in our world. The adsorption, dissolution, and reaction of atmospheric gases at the surfaces of atmospheric aerosols and oceanic waters play a key role in the composition of our atmosphere and the sustainability of plant and animal species in land waters. The transport and exchange of ions and solutes across the interface between an aqueous phase and hydrophobic biomolecular assemblies underlies some of the most important processes in living plants and animals. Membrane formation, protein folding, and micelle formation all involve, and are often controlled by, bonding interactions with water molecules at their surfaces. The unique physical, chemical, and biological properties of aqueous surfaces arise from the strong hydrogen bonding that occurs between water molecules and the asymmetry in this otherwise tetrahedral bonding coordination that results from the termination of the bulk water phase. Although there has been increased experimental and theoretical effort in recent years focused on developing a molecular picture of the structure and bonding of water layers to other solid, liquid, and gaseous media, consensus on the details of interfacial bonding has been slow or nonexistent in many areas. The adsorption of ions, surfactants, and solute molecules at these interfaces adds a level of complexity to the Geraldine Richmond holds the Richard M. and Patricia H. Noyes Professor of Chemistry position at the University of Oregon. She received her Ph.D. degree under the mentorship of George Pimentel at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1980. From 1980 to 1985 she was on the faculty at Bryn Mawr College and moved to the University of Oregon in 1985 as an associate professor. Richmond is recognized for her fundamental studies of the structure, dynamics, and bonding characteristics of surfaces and interfaces. Her research group uses a combination of linear and nonlinear optical methods, thermodynamic measurements, and theory to characterize interactions at aqueous surfaces, metal and semiconductor surfaces in contact with liquids and adsorbates, and liquid/liquid interfaces. Richmond has received several recent honors for these studies including the 2002 ACS Spectrochemical Analysis Award, the 2001 Oregon Scientist of the Year, and the 1996 Olin-Garvan Medal of the ACS and has been a Fellow of the American Physical Society since 1993. 2693 Chem. Rev. 2002, 102, 2693−2724