Robert W. Vaughan Lecture in Chemical Engineering

Throughout science, the ability to see and interrogate matter at smaller and smaller scales has enabled greater insight into the structure-function relations of materials as well as enhanced our understanding of numerous physical, chemical, and biological processes.  In particular, the last twenty years have seen tremendous activity in various 'nano' venues where we seek to control morphology, mechanical properties, electronic structure, and chemistry at the local (nm) level. Unfortunately, our efforts to realize new materials, engineer interfaces, and understand molecular-level processes are often thwarted because we cannot see what is occurring at length scales that count.

To fulfill this need, we are developing new methods and instruments which use optical spectroscopy at and below the diffraction limit to probe and image the physicochemical properties of materials.  The talk will provide an overview of how we are combining synthesis, spectroscopy, and novel scanning probe microscopy instrumentation to connect local structure with macroscopic behavior in different material venues.  Highlights include (i) chemical imaging of surfaces at the nanoscale using light, (ii) understanding how reactivity is linked to the surface chemistry of bimetallic nanoparticle catalysts, and (iii) confocal imaging of organic photovoltaic and light emitting films to understand how processing affects local morphology, electronic structure, and energy conversion processes.