With support from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania will acquire a time-resolved, step-scan Fourier-transform spectrometer. This instrument will support research in a number of areas, including a) studies on adsorption and reaction kinetics on metal surfaces; b) dynamics of biologically relevant electron transfer reactions; and c) reaction pathways in molecular size cavities of zeolites.
The general effectiveness of Fourier transform spectroscopic techniques in academic and industrial research has been firmly established. Many advanced spectroscopic courses now routinely include the teaching of FT spectroscopy. The time-resolved capability is one of the most important recent developments in FT spectroscopy that is rapidly being explored for all kinds of research. Recent applications include biological, polymer, and environmental studies. These studies will open up the application of time-resolved FT spectroscopy in unexplored areas such as surface science, zeolite chemistry and bioinorganic chemistry.
