Dynamics of aqueous solutions

Dr. Johannes Hunger

We study the dynamics of molecules in aqueous solutions with a combination of spectroscopic techniques. Using ultrafast infrared (fs-IR), terahertz (TD-THz), and dielectric spectroscopies (FD-GHz) we can follow the motion of molecules in real-time. We investigate the dynamical and structural aspects of the effect of various solute molecules in aqueous solution.

Currently we study the interaction of water with biological relevant polymers. In particular, we investigate how the hydration of these polymers affects the macroscopic properties of these systems, like e.g. the mechanical properties.

Further, we are interested in the dynamical and structural aspects of phase transitions. We study the aggregation in solution on a molecular level. For instance, we want to understand the structure of the initially formed nuclei during crystallization processes.

1. K.-J. Tielrooij, S. van der Post, J. Hunger, M. Bonn, and H. J. Bakker, J. Phys. Chem. B, in press.

2. J. Hunger, L. Liu, K.-J. Tielrooij, M. Bonn, and H. J. Bakker, J. Chem. Phys., 135, 124516 (2011).

3. K.-J. Tielrooij, J. Hunger, R. Buchner, M. Bonn, and H. J. Bakker, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 132, 15671 (2010).

4. J. Hunger, S. Niedermayer, R. Buchner, and G. Hefter, J. Phys. Chem. B, 114, 13617 (2010).

5. D. A. Turton, J. Hunger, G. Hefter, R. Buchner, and K. Wynne, J. Chem. Phys., 128, 161102 (2008).