This $302,000 federal Project Grant awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through its Mathematical and Physical Sciences (CFDA 47.049) program supports a collaborative research effort led by Northwestern University to study the molecular aspects of photoswitchable surfaces made from self-assembled monolayers of arylazopyrazole (AAP) derivatives. The researchers will use advanced surface-specific spectroscopy techniques to quantify the mechanism of AAP isomerization and correlate the resulting changes in surface wettability with applied voltages and solvent exposure. This work aims to provide fundamental insights into the dynamics of solvents at electrode surfaces, the structure of electric double layers, and the distribution of surface potentials under operating conditions. The project offers research training opportunities for graduate students through international laboratory exchanges and outreach activities targeting high school students. The findings could contribute to the development of new materials and technologies for applications in microfluidics and green energy.
Generated 3/4/25, 6:01 AM