Project 5: Microstructural Pathway of EPFR Formation and Their Decay Mechanisms

Phillip Sprunger (Leader), Rob Cook, and Randall Hall

The researchers in Project 5 are determining the microscopic identity of a new chemical species, an interfacial pollutant called an Environmental Persistent Free Radical (EPFR). As well as understanding the microscopic structure of these new chemical species, we are studying the elementary processes that are responsible for their formation (e.g., charge and spin transfer) as well as their decay. In so doing, we will be able to design rational and effective approaches for limiting the production of EPFRs and also for neutralizing them once formed, thereby ameliorating their dangerous health effects.