James M. Lisy
Professor of Chemistry
Professor James M. Lisy received his B.S. degree from Iowa State University in 1974 and his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1979. He joined the faculty at Illinois in 1981. His research interests are in chemical physics.
Research
The common theme of our research is to investigate size-dependent properties of molecular, ionic, and metal clusters. Experimental methods we use include molecular beam techniques and state-of-the-art laser spectroscopy. We also use theoretical methods to understand and predict the change in atomic and molecular properties as a function of cluster size.
Solvated Ions.The solvation/hydration of atomic and molecular ions has been studied by a variety of methods for over a century; advances from our laboratory now allow us to characterize these processes at the microscopic level. Vibrational spectroscopy of size-selected cluster ions in the gas phase can elucidate the competition between ion–solvent electrostatic interactions and solvent–solvent interactions—in particular, hydrogen bonding. While these studies are of fundamental importance to chemical physics and physical chemistry, knowledge gained from these experiments can be directly applied to a wide and diverse range of problems in chemical biology, materials and atmospheric chemistry.
Infrared Spectroscopy. We have studied the infrared spectra of a number of hydrogen-bonded and van der Waals complexes via vibrational predissociation spectroscopy. Our laboratory performed the first investigation of a homomolecular trimer [(HF)3], detailing the structure, intra- and intermolecular vibrational properties, and predissociation dynamics. Current efforts are directed toward developing new size-selective methods for both larger and metal-bearing clusters.
Theoretical Studies. In support of our experimental investigations, we use a variety of computational and modeling tools. These include ab initio, Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics methods as applied to the study of clusters involving from three to as many as thirty molecular units.
Publications
"Hydrated alkali metal cations: Infrared spectroscopy and ab initio calculations of M+(H2O)x=2-5Ar cluster ions for M=Li, Na, K, and Cs," Dorothy J. Miller and James M. Lisy, J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 130, 15381-92 (2008).
"Entropic effects on hydrated alkali metal cations: Infrared spectroscopy and ab initio calculations of M+(H2O)x=2-5 cluster ions for M=Li, Na, K, and Cs", Dorothy J. Miller and James M. Lisy, J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 130, 15392-404 (2008).
"Vibrational spectroscopy of M+(n-methylacetamide)1(H2O)n=0-3, M = Na and K, in the 3 μm region". Dorothy J. Miller and James M. Lisy, J. Phys. Chem. A, 111, 12409-16 (2007).
"Cyclohexane as a Li+ selective ionophore". G. Naresh Patwari and James M. Lisy, J Phys. Chem. A., 111, 7585-8 (2007).
"Structures, energetics, and spectra of aqua-cesium(I) complexes: An ab initio and experimental study". Maciej Kołaski, Han Myoung Lee, Young Cheol Choi, Kwang S. Kim, P. Tarakeshwar, Dorothy J. Miller and James M. Lisy, J. Chem. Phys., 126 074302-1-11 (2007).
"The chemistry merit program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: an update". Gretchen M. Adams and James M. Lisy, J. Chem. Ed., 84, 721-6 (2007).
"Infrared studies of ionic clusters: The influence of Yuan T. Lee". James M. Lisy, J. Chem. Phys., 125(13) 132302-1-19 (2006).
"Infrared spectra and ab initio calculations of the F-(CH4)n, (n=1-8) anion complexes", Z. M. Loh, R. L. Wilson, E. J. Bieske, J. M. Lisy, B. Njegic and M. S. Gordon, J. Phys. Chem. A, 110, 13736-43 (2006).
"Infrared spectroscopy of the Li+(H2O)Ar complex: the role of internal energy and its dependence on ion preparation". Timothy D. Vaden, James M. Lisy, Prosser D. Carnegie, E. Dinesh Pillai and Michael A. Duncan, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 8, 3078-82 (2006).
"Competition Between Cation-p Interactions and Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonds in Alkali Metal Ion — Phenol Clusters II: Phenol Trimer", Timothy D. Vaden and James M. Lisy, J. Chem. Phys., 124, 214315-1-8 (2006).
"Hydration of Ion — Biomolecule Complexes: ab initio calculations and IRPD spectra of gas phase K+(Indole)n(H2O)m," Dorothy J. Miller and James M. Lisy, J. Chem. Phys., 124, 184301-1-7 (2006).
"Mimicking solvent shells in the gas phase. II. Solvation of K+". Dorothy J. Miller and James M. Lisy, J. Chem. Phys. 124, 024319-1-9 (2006).
Awards
- Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2006
- Wilsmore Fellow, University of Melbourne, Australia, 2004-5
- Chercheur associÉ, CNRS, UniversitÉ Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France, 2004
- Fellow, American Physical Society, 2001
- Visiting Scholar, Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 1998
- Fellow, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 1996
- Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow, 1987-89
- Fellow, UIUC Center for Advanced Study, 1986-87
- School of Chemical Sciences Teaching Award, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1996
