From Interfaces to Cages – Confining Effects on Molecular Processes

730. WE-Heraeus-Seminar

27 Sep - 30 Sep 2020

Where:

Physikzentrum Bad Honnef

Scientific organizers:

Prof. Dr. Karina Morgenstern, RU Bochum • Prof. Dr. Kristina Tschulik, RU Bochum • Dr. Sandra Jendrzej, RU Bochum

The physicochemical properties of confined molecules within cavities, channels and interfaces are known to differ significantly from molecules in the bulk regime. Intensive research on the properties of physically nanoconfined fluids revealed a wide spectrum of emerging physical phenomena ranging from phase transitions and modified electronic structures to anomalous fluid dynamics. This anomalous behaviour of confined fluids can be exploited to open up new synthesis products and routes and to optimize reaction rates, yields and selectivities of chemical reactions. For decades, scientists have utilized geometrical confinement in order to develop efficient energy storage systems and catalysts based on (porous) solids and self-assembled (metal)organic cages. However, the impact of geometrical confinement on reactants, intermediates and products of chemical reactions is not yet understood on a fundamental level, probably due to the complex interplay between the geometry, size, surface texture and composition of confining systems.

Since a fundamental understanding of confinement-induced effects on molecular properties and reactions may contribute to optimize current chemical processes and to develop new research areas, the relevance of disentangling the different contributions to confining effects will be highlighted to a wider audience. In particular, the WE-­Heraeus seminar aims at presenting and discussing the progress across disciplines. Furthermore, a common, unified understanding and new goals and challenges will be addressed in this interdisciplinary field of research. The complementary expertise of participants will cover experimental and theoretical work in the fields of physics, biophysics and chemistry. Thus, early-stage researchers, who are interested in this broad topic, will benefit from the scientific exchange with the experts and are encouraged to apply with a poster contribution..


The conference language will be English. The Wilhelm and Else Heraeus-Foundation bears the cost of full-board accommodation for all participants.