Site-Specific Assessment of Interfacial Processes and Dynamics via Linear and Nonlinear Infrared Techniques

Surfaces and interfaces with specific and unique chemical or physical properties play key roles in almost all scientific disciplines, such as catalysis, energy, and biological sciences, as they enable tailored functions or activities. Therefore, studying the properties of surfaces and interfaces, as well as the physical and/or chemical processes they support, is a broad and active research area. However, surfaces and interfaces encountered in many applications are intrinsically complex; hence, it is often challenging to gain a complete characterization and a full understanding of the underlying structures, dynamics, and functions. Herein, we offer our perspective on how linear and nonlinear infrared (IR) spectroscopic techniques can be used in conjunction with site-specific IR probes to assess the microscopic details of interfacial processes with a focus on those occurring in heterogeneous catalysis, organic photovoltaic materials, and biological interfaces.