Electrochemical synthesis is a powerful tool for formulating functional materials and molecules because it offers an additional level of control over the synthesis relative to its chemical counterpart by fine-tuning mass transfer, potential, or current.

The quantum light-matter interactions between the molecule and the quantized radiation mode inside an optical cavity create a set of hybridized electronic-photonic states, so-called polaritons, opening up new possibilities to control chemical reactions by exploiting intrinsic quantum behaviors of light-matter interactions.

In this talk, I'll present our recent investigations on new chemical reactivities enabled by cavity quantum electrodynamics and demonstrate detailed mechanisms of how quantized light-matter interactions can change the outcomes of chemical reactions. 

Abstract: Tropospheric chemistry and air quality are strongly influenced by source emissions. In the western US, much attention has been focused on the air quality impacts of wildland fires; and recently, changes in air quality associated with COVID-19 shelter-in-place restrictions. Fires emit high levels of trace gases, including semi-volatile and volatile organic compounds (S/VOCs); and primary (directly emitted) particulate matter (PM). During plume evolution, S/VOCs react to form ozone (O3) and secondary PM, thereby degrading air quality downwind.

Abstract: