ChemPhysChem

Equilibrium and dynamical symmetry breaking processes that coexist on the picosecond timescale for the highly symmetric hexacyanocobaltate anion in solution are simultaneously observed and dynamically characterized for the first time by ultrafast two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy (see picture).

CO₂reduction: CuO/Cu₂O hybrid nanorod arrays are prepared on a Cu substrate by a two-step strategy. Photoelectrosynthesis of methanol from CO₂ is conducted under simulated solar irradiation at Faradaic efficiencies up to 95 %. The hybrid nanoarchitectures and the high surface area are likely contributors to the excellent performance of the film.

A star is born: We present recent advances in the combination of NMR with state of the art molecular simulation that allows a detailed mapping of the protein conformational energy landscape. A novel combination of RDCs with accelerated molecular dynamics provides robust determination of ensemble representations of the underlying Boltzmann ensemble present in solution.

Electrochemical protein polymerisation: Sickle-cell haemoglobin has a tendency to form stiff protein fibres at low oxygen partial pressures. Here we use an electrochemical cell to deplete oxygen in a small-volume cell and monitor the polymerisation under different chemical and physical conditions.

See beneath the surface! Surface analysis of biologically relevant composites leads to an improved understanding of the chemistry of nanocomposite constituents and the interactions between them (see picture).