Members

The three biggest challenges facing society today are sustainable energy, clean environment and maximum security. Devising alternative approaches for efficient transfer, conversion and storage of energy is a top priority. It requires an in-depth understanding of the energy-conversion processes at the molecular level. In chemical terms, four distinct types of energy are of interest: chemical, light, thermal and mechanical. At the border of these four types there is a number of fascinating physio-chemical phenomena.

Panče’s research interests are in the domain of solid-state structural chemistry. He employs a variety of analytical methods, including new techniques for X-ray diffraction, to study the molecular mechanisms involved in non-classical ways of energy conversion. He tries to understand the structural specifics affecting the transfer of energy throughout matter in these cases. His recent interests include bioluminescence – production of cold light by some organisms – as well as light-induced mechanical effects in molecular crystals.