The overall objectives of my current research program are to explore the physical and chemical properties of molecules at electrified interfaces.  Our research uses interfacial electrochemical techniques to explain phenomena such as charge transport, molecular organization, and self-assembly.  We are particularly interested in characterizing the adsorption of molecules used to stabilize monolayer protected nanoparticles (MPNs).  Recently, our research program has emphasized charge transfer studies at monolayer modified electrodes.  The specific methods that we employ in these research areas consist of traditional electrochemical (voltammetry, differential capacity, chronocoulometry) and non-traditional electrochemical techniques (scanning probe microscopy, in-situ infrared spectroscopy).

Currently, there are five main areas of research that we are actively pursuing in my group; (1) Adsorption of nanoparticle stabilizing ligands (2) Surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) (3) Coupled proton and electron transfer at monolayer-modified electrodes (4) Electrochemistry in room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) and (5) Synchrotron-based infrared spectroelectromicroscopy. For further details on specific projects visit the Burgess group research page.