Chemical Sciences
Robert Forster
Robert Forster
B.Sc., Ph.D. (DCU), C.Chem
Associate Professor, Physical Chemistry
Electrochemistry, Interfacial Science and Spectroscopy
Key Areas Of Interest
New Materials.
To pioneer the creation of novel materials that have useful electronic or photonic properties because they are highly ordered on the molecular length scale. These materials are rationally designed for applications in molecule-based electronics, display devices and sensors.
New Techniques
To take the lead in new experimental techniques to probe chemical reactivity under extreme conditions, e.g., in solids and at cryogenic temperatures, and at very short timescales.
New Theoretical Insights
To elucidate those factors that influence electron transfer. This fundamental work impacts our understanding of a wide variety of areas including biological membranes, corrosion, heterogeneous catalysis and the emerging area of molecule-based electronics.
My group works on the application of electrochemical methods to chemical problems. We are particularly interested in using electrochemistry to form novel materials, to elucidate the behaviour and properties of novel organic and inorganic species and to study extremely reactive systems. Moreover, we explore new methods for the synthesis of ordered structures (e.g., electrical and magnetic fields), cutting edge techniques of analysis and characterisation (e.g., transient spectroscopy and nanosecond timescale electrochemistry), and innovative technological applications (e.g., microsensors and "smart" drug release systems). In addition, we perform state-of-the-art experiments to directly measure electron transfer between micrometer dimension electrodes and solution phase / adsorbed reactants. These techniques involve timescales as short as 5 nanoseconds and are limited to less than 10 research teams world-wide. We also study the interaction of light and electrochemical systems. For example, we can produce both light and current by having a target analyte react with a chemically sensitive layer (electrogenerated chemiluminescence). This approach has lead to the development of a very sensitive and selective method of analysis.
We are also actively using scanning probe techniques, such as scanning tunnelling and atomic force microscopies, to investigate reactions on the surfaces of electrodes with very high (atomic) resolution. We have also been developing scanning electrochemical microscopy using probes of nanometer dimension to fabricate, image and chemically analyse surface structures and measure reaction rates.
Recent Publications
- Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding: Two-Component Anthraquinone Monolayers", O'Hanlon, D.; Forster, R. J., Langmuir, 16(2) (2000) 702.
- Protonation Effects on the Structure and Homogeneous Charge Transport Dynamics of Solid-State Osmium Bis-bipyridyl Tetrazine Chloride Films", Forster, R. J.; Keyes, T. E.; Bond, A. M., J. Phys. Chem. B., 104 (2000), 6389.
- Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Electron Transfer Dynamics of Osmium-Containing Monolayers at the Air/Water Interface", Forster, R. J.; Keyes, T. E.; Majda, M, J. Phys. Chem. B, 104 (2000), , 4425.
- Effect of Electrode Density of States on the Heterogeneous Electron Transfer Dynamics of Osmium Containing Monolayers", Forster, R. J.; Loughman, P. J., Keyes, T. E. J. Am. Chem. Soc. in press.
