This research project, under the direction of Professor Hrvoje Petek of the Department of Physics at the University of Pittsburgh, addresses the dynamics of electron transfer at the titanium oxide/water interface. Probing the two dimensional solvated electron state at the well characterized surface using two photon photoelectron spectroscopy, Professor Petek and his coworkers are examining the femtosecond dynamics of charge transfer involving this transient state. This research project is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, and will provide fundamental information for the deeper understanding of photocatalysis and solar electrochemical cells.
By examining the ultra fast dynamics of electron transfer at the water/oxide interface, Professor Petek and his coworkers at the University of Pittsburgh are learning about the fundamental steps in photocatalytic processes. Using two photon photoelectron spectroscopic probes, this work provides basic information about the lifetimes and transfer mechanisms for charge transfer at illuminated oxide electrode surfaces. This information is useful in the design and construction of photocatalytic processes and solar electrochemical cells.
