Research Areas

Condensed Phase and Interfacial Molecular Science (CPIMS) research emphasizes molecular understanding of chemical, physical, and electron-driven processes in aqueous media and at interfaces. Studies of reaction dynamics at well-characterized metal and metal-oxide surfaces and clusters lead to the development of theories on the molecular origins of surface-mediated catalysis and heterogeneous chemistry. Studies of model condensed-phase systems target first-principles understandings of molecular reactivity and dynamical processes in solution and at interfaces. The approach confronts the transition from molecular-scale chemistry to collective phenomena in complex systems, such as the effects of solvation on chemical structure and reactivity.

The CPIMS program is unique is its relevance to DOE mission areas, providing a fundamental basis for understanding chemical reactivity in complex systems, such as those encountered in catalysis, energy storage, separations, and the environmental contaminant transport in mineral and aqueous environments. This program is a major supporter of basic research on chemical reactivity of molecular species in the liquid phase, on metal clusters, and at solid-gas and solid-liquid interfaces. Fundamental studies of reactive processes driven by radiolysis in condensed phases and at interfaces provide improved understanding of radiolysis effects and radiation-driven chemistry in nuclear fuel and waste environments.

To obtain more information about this research area, please see our Core Research Area descriptions and the proceedings of our Principal Investigators' Meetings. To better understand how this research area fits within the Department of Energy's Office of Science, please refer to the Basic Energy Science's organization chart (132KB) and budget request.

For more information about this research area, please contact Dr. Greg Fiechtner.