Liquid interfaces probed by second-harmonic and sum-frequency spectroscopy

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Chemical Reviews

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/cr9502211· OSTI ID:276783

Eisenthal, K B ^[1]

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1. Columbia Univ., New York, NY (United States). Dept. of Chemistry

A powerful approach to the study of interfaces has been developing rapidly in the past decade. It is based on the spectroscopic methods of second-harmonic (SHG) and sum-frequency generation (SFG). These nonlinear optical techniques, being spectroscopic, provide information at the most fundamental level. A microscopic description of equilibrium and dynamic interface processes requires knowledge of the molecules at the interface, their orientational structure, the energetics that drive chemical and physical processes, and the time scale of molecular motions and relaxation processes. The techniques of second-harmonic and sum-frequency generation have made it possible to selectively probe the chemistry, physics, and biology of gas/liquid, liquid/liquid, liquid/solid, gas/solid, and solid/solid interfaces at the molecular level. In this abbreviated article only liquid interfaces will be considered; gas/solid and solid/solid interfaces are not included. This restriction is necessary because of the enormous increase in SH and SF studies in recent years, which makes it extremely difficult to properly discuss the range of work being carried out around the world. Unfortunately not all of the fine work even in the area of liquid interfaces has been included because of both space and time limitations. A number of review articles are referred to which cover some of the research material not covered in this article. 99 refs.

• OSTI ID: 276783
• Journal Information: Chemical Reviews, Journal Name: Chemical Reviews Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 96; ISSN 0009-2665; ISSN CHREAY
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

40 CHEMISTRY
ADSORPTION
AIR-WATER INTERACTIONS
BINARY MIXTURES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
ELECTROCHEMISTRY
ELECTRON TRANSFER
ENANTIOMORPHS
ENERGY TRANSFER
ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
INTERFACES
ISOMERIZATION
LIQUIDS
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
PHOTOLYSIS
REVIEWS