Photochemistry

A.Y. 2019/2020
6
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
CHIM/02
Language
English
Learning objectives
Understanding of the production of excited electronic states and photochemical and photophysical processes. Information on photo-induced process techniques. Understanding of the development of photochemical processes occurring in nature, the principles of photoproduction and photostabilization of polymers, as well as the principles and potential of photo(electro)catalysis.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will master the concepts of light-matter interaction, of the properties of excited electronic states and the principles and applications of photo-induced processes.
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Course syllabus
Production and properties of electronic excites states. Radiation absorption and electronic states of molecules. The Jablonski diagram. Lifetime, energy, geometry and acid-base properties of excited states, solvent effects.
Photophysical and photochemical deactivation paths. Vibrational relaxation, radiative and non-radiative transitions, kinetics of excited states quenching, excimers and exciplexes. Kinetics and mechanism of photochemical reactions.
Experimental techniques. Conventional light sources, LEDs, actinometry; the working principles and properties of lasers, luminescence spectroscopy, transient absorption and time-resolved emission spectroscopy.
Photochemical processes in nature. Photochemical reactions in the atmosphere and stratosphere. Photochemical smog. Photosynthesis, the vision process.
Photocatalysis and other applications. Photoelectrochemical processes on semiconductors, photocatalysis for solar energy conversion and for the degradation of water and air pollutants. Photopolymerization, photoinitiators and mechanism, photoinduced degradation and stabilization of polymers. Photochromism, photochemical syntheses.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge acquired in Physical Chemistry I and II - Bachelor degrees in Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry.
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures with the aid of projections.
Teaching Resources
- Gilbert, J. Baggott, Essentials of Molecular Photochemistry, Blackwell, 1991
- M. Klessinger, J. Michl, Excited States and Photochemistry of Organic Molecules, VCH, 1995
- R.P. Wayne, Principles and Applications of Photochemistry, Oxford University Press, 1988.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will consist in an interview aimed at testing the skills acquired by the student on the subjects presented in the frontal lectures.
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor: Selli Elena
Shifts:
-
Professor: Selli Elena