Atomistic characterization of the active-site solvation dynamics of a model photocatalyst.

ABSTRACT: The interactions between the reactive excited state of molecular photocatalysts and surrounding solvent dictate reaction mechanisms and pathways, but are not readily accessible to conventional optical spectroscopic techniques. Here we report an investigation of the structural and solvation dynamics following excitation of a model photocatalytic molecular system [Ir₂(dimen)₄]²⁺, where dimen is para-diisocyanomenthane. The time-dependent structural changes in this model photocatalyst, as well as the changes in the solvation shell structure, have been measured with ultrafast diffuse X-ray scattering and simulated with Born-Oppenheimer Molecular Dynamics. Both methods provide direct access to the solute-solvent pair distribution function, enabling the solvation

SUBMITTER: van Driel TB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5133712 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature