Physical chemistry occupies a unique position amongst the chemical sciences. While the synthesis of new molecules has been regarded as the primary goal and activity of chemists, progress towards this goal would be severely hampered without a fundamental understanding how chemical reactions occur. Physical chemists use quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and kinetics to probe deeply into the nature of chemical bonding and structure, from the simplest molecules to massive proteins to sophisticated new materials. In doing so, they use the most modern analytical and theoretical tools.

Physical chemistry at Temple is notable not only for its internationally recognized faculty but also for the wide range of projects these externally funded scientists support. Major thrusts include surface chemistry, laser chemistry, biophysical chemistry, and theoretical approaches to understanding how optically excited molecules behave.

Professor Borguet's group studies chemistry at interfaces to use this knowledge to design new materials with unique and valuable properties that might find application in the semiconductor industry. The group utilizes ultrafast laser technology and advanced microscopy to characterize interfacial phenomena.

Professor Dai's research focuses on the energetic and structural factors that affect or control the chemical properties of molecules in the gas phase or adsorbed on surfaces.

Professor Levis' research group uses state of the art laser technology to manipulate the properties of matter in ways that lead to new materials. A significant aspect of this research is the use of shaped laser pulses to affect the yields of chemical reactions ("photonic chemistry") and to create new analytical tools for the detection of trace chemical species.

Professor Matsika is interested in how biological molecules, like DNA bases, absorb and channel light energy through so called conical intersections. Calculation of the properties of these larger systems require the use of a state of the art cluster computer facility in Dr. Matsika's lab.

Professor Spano's research is aimed at obtaining a theoretical understanding of organic light emitting diode materials and polymeric aggregates. In addition, Spano's group studies the theoretical basis of controlling chemical reactions using steady state lasers. Sophisticated mathematical models in both areas are developed and explored through extensive computation.

Professor Stanley's group studies how light-driven DNA repair proteins function. These studies utilize both ultrafast and steady-state spectroscopy. In addition, Stanley's group is developing nucleic acid based inhibitors to proteins found only in human parasites. Both of these biological goals are supported by a single molecule microscope to study protein-DNA interactions a molecule at a time.

Professor Strongin also studies chemistry at surfaces, in particular mineral surfaces and nanoparticles. A goal of his research group is to find ways to inhibit chemical reactions on pyrite surfaces that lead to heavy metal contamination and acidification of water. Ultrahigh vacuum equipment and atomic force microscopy are just a few of the tools used for these studies.

Recent Publications include:

Pursell DP.; Vohs JM.; Dai HL. "Chlorine adsorption induced structure and energetics change of vinyl chloride physisorbed on Ag(111)." Chemical Physics Letters 432 (4-6): 431-435 (2006).

Xu ZR, S. Matsika, "Combined Multireference Configuration Interaction/Molecular Dynamics Approach for Calculating Solvatochromic Shifts: Application to the n(0)- pi* Electronic Transition of Formaldehyde". Journal of Physical Chemistry A 110 (43): 12035-12043 (2006).

Ye, T.; He, YF.; Borguet, E. "Adsorption and electrochemical activity: An in situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy study of electrode reactions and potential-induced adsorption of porphyrins." Journal of Physical Chemistry B 110, 6141-6147 (2006).