Fundamental understanding on gas‐surface interaction

guest: dr. Arban Uka; hosted by dr. Ludo Juurlink (UL, 1 ^st applicant) and prof. Wybren Jan Buma (UvA)

With this proposal we set out to increase fundamental understanding on gas‐surface interaction, in particular how sticking of hydrogen may be accomplished by kinetic‐to‐rotational energy transfer. Although Juurlink’s group is equipped to perform the proposed experiment and yield qualitative results, the collaboration with Buma’s group allow to quantify the effect. The impact will thus be significantly greater. The groups of Buma and Juurlink have not collaborated before. Hence, beyond answering a fundamental question regarding gas‐surface reaction dynamics, the proposal provides a wonderful opportunity for these two groups to learn in detail of each other’s capabilities.

Time-resolved spectroscopic study on functional nanomaterials and/or nano-cavities

guest: dr. Pengtao Jing; hosted by dr. Hong Zhang (UvA, 1 ^st applicant) and dr. Stefania Grecea (UvA)

Dr. Jing will perform time-resolved spectroscopic experiments on functional nanomaterials and/or nano-cavities in order to understand excitation energy transfer dynamics in some novel nanostructure materials of great potential applications. The target material systems include carbon quantum dots which are under investigation currently in molecular photonics (Dr. Zhang) and lanthanides doped MOF structures in sustainable chemistry (Dr. Grecea). Femtosecond transient absorption and emission setups, as well as nanosecond and steady-state setups available in HIMS institute will be utilized for the study.

Unravelling interstellar chemical recipes: solid state formation of proteins, sugars, and fats.

guest: dr. Sergio Ioppolo; hosted by prof. dr. Harold Linnartz (UL)

Dr. Sergio Ioppolo is very experienced in the spectroscopic and dynamical studies of interstellar ice analogues, specifically solid state pathways involving atom-addition reactions. In Leiden, a sophisticated UHV setup (SURFRESIDE2, see www.laboratory-astrophysics.eu) is running, capable of studying cryogenic (i.e. for astronomically relevant temperatures) surface chemistry. This has been the topic of Sergio’s PhD work - for which he obtained the Dick Stufkens award - and a 3 yrs postdoctoral stay at Caltech. Since a few months he is affiliated with the Open University in Milton Keynes, UK, starting up a new research group in this field.

Sergio will contribute to the ongoing experiments, acting as a co-promotor for a recently started PhD student. The focus will be on work studying the formation of COMs (complex organic matter) yielding interstellar recipes for the formation of the building blocks of life.