Faculty with research interests and backgrounds in study the basic structure of matter at the molecular and supramolecular levels, as well as making precise spectroscopic and instrumental measurements that enable one to verify theory. Our faculty pursue a wide range of interests from theoretical to computational quantum chemistry, from molecular beam laser photochemistry to solution and solid state photophysics, from biophysical to materials to small molecule property analysis, from NMR and Raman to fluorescence and circular dichorism spectroscopy. Because of our department's strong interest in applied as well as basic chemical research, and our strong links to departments that
seek collaborators with strong basic physical chemistry backgrounds (e.g., Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Physics, and Polymer Science & Engineering), the physical chemists tend to be very interdisciplinary and highly collaborative.

One major focus is the biophysical chemistry of molecular shape and function. Spectroscopic techniques are applied to understand structure and function in various naturally occurring proteins. Fast kinetic methods are applied to unravel the mechanisms of crucial biochemical reactions, and thermodynamic measurements are used to identify the energetically important interactions critical to biomolecules. The problems of biology are fascinatingly complex, but they are amenable to good experimental design and precise physical measurements. The expertise and experimental facilities available to purse biophysical chemistry at UMass are top-notch, as shown by the high success of faculty in this area.

Another significant concentration is the study of the basic nature of catalytic interactions in the gas phase in solution, in restricted media (e.g., nanoporous materials), and on surfaces. Both classical and quantum mechanical methods have been developed here to probe the means by which molecules adsorb onto metal surfaces or diffuse through zeolite pores of different sizes. UMass-Amherst studies suggest that microwaves can be used to provide new, energy-efficient methodology to carry out separations of molecules under circumstances that previously could require heating the whole separating system. Molecular beam experiments here probe the creation and reactivity of intermediates formed under conditions analogous to transition metal catalysis. Some of this work is aimed at developing catalytic routes to convert methane (a greenhouse gas) to methanol. The computational and theoretical physical chemistry groups are very strong and high collaborative in these areas, both within our department and in collaboration with others.

Molecular level studies of surfaces are another major thrust of the physical chemists. UMass-Amherst groups student self-assembly of biomolecules and organic polymers on surfaces, with the aim of making novel sensor and electronic devices. At the George Richason Laboratory for Nanophotonics Research, single molecule fluorescene images reveal the dipolar orientation of molecules, providing a tool to detect the emission and transfer of energy in nanoarrays assembled on a surface. The general area of nanoscience is hotly pursued throughout the world, and scientists at UMass-Amherst have been some of the best recognized and best funded anywhere in this area. The physical and biophysical chemists in our department are important contributors to this high-profile area on our campus, and are collaborative well-connected to the work ongoing both here and elsewhere.

For participating faculty see Research Matrix.