Physical Chemistry

Physical chemists aim to understand at the sub-atomic, atomic and molecular scale the structure and behavior of materials and the way chemical reactions occur. Such knowledge is relevant to nearly every area of chemistry, from biological to nanotechnology to environmental. Computational physical chemists apply math and physics to develop theories and models that unravel mysteries from protein folding to nanoparticle properties. Experimental physical chemists use computers and large instruments, including lasers, mass spectrometers, and microscopes to measure structure and dynamics of chemical processes.

UMaine physical chemists use computational and experimental methods to investigate transport and reactivity of ions and small molecules in cell membranes, the active sites of enzymes, through nanostructures, and metal catalysts. They apply quantum mechanics to chemical systems to elucidate the structure of molecules, dynamics of reactions, and spectroscopic measurements. Their laboratories are equipped with instruments for mass spectrometry, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, nanofabrication, and nanomaterials synthesis. Faculty involved in physical chemical research are listed below.


François G. Amar	145 Estabrooke Hall (207)581-3262 amar@maine.edu	Physical Biological Alt. Energy Chem Ed
Scott Collins	151 ESRB (207)-581-2269 scott.collins@maine.edu	Physical Nano/Materials Analytical
Brian G. Frederick	251 Aubert/151 ESRB (207)-581-2268 brian.frederick@umit.maine.edu	Physical Nano/Materials Alt. Energy Wood
Jayendran Rasaiah	254 Aubert Hall (207) 581-1179 rasaiah@maine.edu	Physical Biological
Carl P. Tripp	275 Aubert/241 ESRB (207)-581-2235 carl.tripp@maine.edu	Physical Nano/Materials Biological Environmental