Sample interview questions: How do you assess the chemical reactivity and selectivity of materials in your research?
Sample answer:
Assessing the chemical reactivity and selectivity of materials is a crucial aspect of my research as a Physics > Materials Scientist. In order to accomplish this, I employ several techniques and methodologies that allow me to thoroughly investigate the properties and behaviors of different materials.
One of the primary methods I utilize is experimental analysis, which involves conducting various chemical reactions and observing the outcomes. By carefully designing and executing experiments, I can measure the reactivity of materials by monitoring factors such as reaction rates, yield, and intermediate product formation. These measurements provide valuable insights into the chemical behavior of materials and their suitability for specific applications.
Furthermore, I employ spectroscopic techniques to gain a deeper understanding of the electronic and molecular structures of materials. Spectroscopic tools such as infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) allow me to identify functional groups, chemical bonds, and electronic states. This information helps me assess the reactivity and selectivity of materials by revealing their chemical composition and potential reaction pathways.
In addition to experimental techniques, computational methods play a significant role in my research. Utilizing quantum mechanical calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, and density functional theory (DFT), I can predict the reactivity and selectiv… Read full answer
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