TODAY: Renee Frontiera, 03-Mar-2026, 12:20pm Central
1 view
Skip to first unread message
Ellad Tadmor
Mar 3, 2026, 10:24:22 AM (6 days ago) Mar 3
to aem-solid...@umn.edu
AEM Mechanics Research Seminar
Tuesday 03-Mar-2026, 12:20pm Central
Prof. Renee Frontiera
Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota
Title: Raman Spectroscopic Probes of Photocatalytic Materials
Abstract: Photonic materials, including plasmons and polaritons, are highly promising solid materials for driving energetically unfavorable chemical reactions with sunlight, due to their large optical cross sections and ability to modify potential energy landscapes. However, the efficiencies of most plasmon-driven and polariton-driven processes are quite low, likely due to the lack of mechanistic understanding of the underlying physical processes. Here I’ll discuss our use of Raman spectroscopies to advance our fundamental understanding of these systems. First, I’ll describe our development of ultrafast surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to probe the contributions of plasmon-generated hot electron transfer, heating, and vibrational energy transfer on timescales relevant to photocatalysis. Second, I will talk about our efforts in mapping out reaction coordinates in polaritonic systems, quantifying the degree of mode-specific activation. These efforts in developing a fundamental understanding of polariton and plasmon-mediated processes in molecules will ultimately aid in the rational design of cost-effective photonic materials capable of driving industrially relevant chemistries using solar radiation.
For more information, visit the AEM Mechanics Research Seminar website:
Tuesday 03-Mar-2026, 12:20pm Central
In-person: Room 321, Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota
Online: Webinar registration link
Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota
Title: Raman Spectroscopic Probes of Photocatalytic Materials
Abstract: Photonic materials, including plasmons and polaritons, are highly promising solid materials for driving energetically unfavorable chemical reactions with sunlight, due to their large optical cross sections and ability to modify potential energy landscapes. However, the efficiencies of most plasmon-driven and polariton-driven processes are quite low, likely due to the lack of mechanistic understanding of the underlying physical processes. Here I’ll discuss our use of Raman spectroscopies to advance our fundamental understanding of these systems. First, I’ll describe our development of ultrafast surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to probe the contributions of plasmon-generated hot electron transfer, heating, and vibrational energy transfer on timescales relevant to photocatalysis. Second, I will talk about our efforts in mapping out reaction coordinates in polaritonic systems, quantifying the degree of mode-specific activation. These efforts in developing a fundamental understanding of polariton and plasmon-mediated processes in molecules will ultimately aid in the rational design of cost-effective photonic materials capable of driving industrially relevant chemistries using solar radiation.
For more information, visit the AEM Mechanics Research Seminar website:
---
Ellad B. Tadmor, Ph.D.
Russell J. Penrose Professor
Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics
University of Minnesota
https://dept.aem.umn.edu/~tadmor/
Russell J. Penrose Professor
Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics
University of Minnesota
https://dept.aem.umn.edu/~tadmor/
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages