‘photoSmalls’ subgroup overview: phototriggered conformational changes for charge separation

Using light to drive ligand-centered conformational changes, we take advantage of oxidation state-dependent coordination geometry preferences exhibited by some transition metal ions. We aim to maniuplate reorganization energy through conformational control; lowering it for charge separation, and raising it for charge recomibination.

Biological systems manipulate coordination environment to control electron transfer.

Blue Cu proteins employ coordination geometries that are intermediate between the tetragonal and trigonal arrangments associated with typical Cu(II) and Cu(I) coordination, respectively.

Time-resolved spectroscopy.

In addition to standard physical methods, we use a variety of time-resolved spectrscopies to examine transient intermediates formed in these systems.