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AIR–WATER INTERFACE

Faster chemistry at surfaces

Nature Chemistry volume 13, pages 296–297 (2021)Cite this article

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The physical properties of a liquid at an interface differ from bulk solution limits, but how this affects chemical reactivity is unclear. Now, ultrafast, surface-sensitive vibrational spectroscopy has revealed that the light-induced reaction of phenol with water is four orders of magnitude faster at the water surface than in bulk.

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Fig. 1: Accelerated photochemistry at the air–water interface.

adapted with permission from ref. 4, Springer Nature Ltd.

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  1. Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Montana Materials Science Program, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA

    Robert A. Walker

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  1. Robert A. Walker
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Correspondence to Robert A. Walker.

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Walker, R.A. Faster chemistry at surfaces. Nat. Chem. 13, 296–297 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-021-00672-8

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