About this ebook
Surface chemistry and photochemistry are essential for understanding and controlling the processes at these interfaces. These disciplines are key to natural phenomena and technological advancements by revealing how molecules interact and transform at boundaries. Surface chemistry uncovers the unique behaviors of surface atoms and molecules, which experience unbalanced forces and higher free energies compared to their counterparts in the bulk. This distinctive reactivity drives adsorption, surface tension, and heterogeneous catalysis.
In this primer, the authors explore the fundamental phenomena and core concepts shaping chemistry and photochemistry at interfaces. Each chapter examines a specific aspect of interface chemistry; however, reading the entire primer is recommended to gain a thorough understanding of the material. Whether you're a student beginning research in this area or seeking a deeper understanding of these complex dynamics, we hope this primer is a valuable resource for your future work.
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About the author
Lyra Flinn is a chemist with a degree from Skidmore College, where she conducted research on the deliquescent effect in colloidal suspensions under the direction of Juan G. Navea for several years. Her research aims to understand the chemical and photochemical parameters behind particle solubility during atmospheric transport. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Colorado State University.
Malsha Kanaththage is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemistry at New Mexico Tech Institute of Mining and Technology. She received her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Her research centers on the environmental and health risks associated with anthropogenic pollutants, with a specific focus on the toxicological impact of inhaled metal and non-metal mine dust, wildfire smoke, and ingested gadolinium-based contrast agents. Her work integrates analytical chemistry, materials science, and toxicology to address real-world environmental challenges.
Natasha Wozniak is a physicist with a degree from Skidmore College. She worked for several years in the research group of Prof. Juan G. Navea, where she combined computational and spectroscopic methods to understand the oxidation of organic molecules at the surfaces of atmospheric particles. She is the recipient of the 2024 Barry Goldwater Scholarship, and she plans to continue her research in atmospheric chemistry, physics, and climate modeling.
Gayan Rubasinghege is an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. He received his BS in Chemistry from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, in 2005 and his Ph.D. in Environmental and Physical Chemistry from the University of Iowa in 2011. He completed his postdoctoral training in Atmospheric Sciences and Toxicology at the University of Iowa. Gayan's research group is broadly interested in the toxicological impacts of emerging pollutants—ranging from mine dust, wildfire smoke, and pharmaceuticals to PFAS—illuminating their potential environmental and human health threats.
Juan G. Navea is a professor of physical chemistry at Skidmore College. He received his BS in Chemistry from Universidad Central de Venezuela and his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Baylor University. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Iowa under the direction of Vicki H. Grassian. Dr. Navea was honored with the 2020 Henry Dreyfus Teacher Scholar Award. His research group focuses on the chemistry and photochemistry on complex environmental interfaces, combining both theoretical and experimental approaches. Specifically, his work aims to deepen the understanding of chemical processes occurring on atmospheric aerosol surfaces.
