Strategic Research at the Frontiers of Chemistry

Chemical Sciences

• Interfacial Processes: In this program, we continue the
  development and application of synchrotron x-ray
  scattering techniques for in situ studies of mineral-fluid
  interfaces, taking advantage of the major increases in
  temporal and spatial resolution afforded by the high
  x-ray brilliance and energy available at the Advanced
  Photon Source (APS).
• Radiation and Photochemistry: Argonne addresses the
  chemistry of novel intermediates and excited states and
  the roles of solvents and matrices in modulating their
  reactivity. A dedicated electron linac has enabled many
  basic discoveries, including the solvated electron and
  ion radical chemistry. Argonne scientists are providing
  basic insights for the safe management of radioactive wastes.
• Photosynthesis: This program is defining the basic
  principles that govern charge separation in molecules via
  the study of electron transfer reactions within novel
  structures. Remarkable progress has been made since
  the first demonstration of the Marcus inverted region at
  Argonne. Work on the mechanism of charge separation
  in natural photosystems is being extended to construct
  novel artificial systems to mimic the natural process.
• Cluster Studies Group: This program investigates metal
  clusters and cluster-molecule complexes. Argonne achieved
  many breakthroughs in studying these systems. Now,
  closely linked experimental and theoretical explorations
  are elaborating their structure, electronic properties,
  and chemical reactivity.
• Chemical Dynamics in the Gas Phase: This program
  merges theoretical and experimental work on energetics,
  kinetics, and dynamics. Special facilities, such as the
  massively parallel IBM SP computer, enable Argonne
  to be at the forefront in the development of new codes
  for massively parallel machines in research that carries
  forward a tradition of firsts in the field. Integrated
  experimental studies are conducted in parallel on state-
  selective chemistry, the chemical kinetics of radical-
  radical reactions, and photoionization spectroscopy.
• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics: Intrinsic x-ray
  processes can be altered and controlled by judicious
  application of intense optical fields in the range of
  10¹⁵ W/cm² to 10¹² W/cm². Optical control of x-ray
  processes are demonstrated in simple atoms and
  molecules to develop understanding from first principles.
  Ultrashort x-ray pulses from a variety of sources with
  unique properties (Argonne's Advanced Photon Source,
  Berkeley's femtosecond sliced soft x-ray beamline, Ohio
  State University's attosecond/femtosecond EUV source,
  eventually Stanford's Linac Coherent Light Source, world's
  first x-ray free electron laser) are used to probe electron
  and molecular dynamics with atomic-scale temporal, spatial,
  and spectral resolution.
• Nanophotonics: The nanophotonics theme is dedicated
  to the understanding of nanoscale interactions in structures
  that offer the ability to control the propagation of photons
  below the diffraction limit and the use of nanostructured
  building blocks to create new photonic materials. Our
  research encompasses the generation, characterization,
  and theory of nanophotonic structures.
• Heavy Element and Separation Science: This program
  conducts pioneering studies on the chemical, structural,
  and electronic properties of actinide elements in gas, liquid,
  and solid phases, including f-state energy level structure,
  thermodynamics, and solid state structure-stability
  relationships. These studies have improved the understanding
  of high-temperature superconductivity and enabled the
  detection of curium at the near-single-atom level.
  • Heavy Elements Photophysics and Photochemistry
  • Coordination Chemistry and Separation Science:
    Argonne's work in this area aims to develop new
    separation processes for pollution prevention. A
    central focus is the design of macrocyclic extractants
    with high selectivity for specific hazardous ions. The
    TRUEX process was discovered here. This research
    group also designed the DIPHONEX resins that
    have proven so useful for waste management and
    water purification.
  • f-Electron Interactions
  • Actinide Facility

• Computational Materials and Electrochemical Processes

Glassblowing

Research Facilities

• Analytical Assets (pdf file)

Computing Services

Glassblowing

Interfacial Processes

Radiation and
Photochemistry

Photosynthesis
Biological Materials Growth Facility

Cluster Studies

Chemical Dynamics

Atomic Physics

Nanophotonics

Heavy Elements

Coordination Chemistry

f-Electron Interactions

Actinide Facility

Computational Materials and Electrochemical Processes