Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026

Single-throughput Complementary High-resolution Analytical Techniques for Characterizing Complex Natural Organic Matter Mixtures
Published on: January 7, 2019
The Case Against Charge Transfer Interactions in Dissolved Organic Matter Photophysics
Garrett McKay1, Julie A Korak1,2, Paul R Erickson3
1Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States.
Abstract:
The optical properties of dissolved organic matter influence chemical and biological processes in all aquatic ecosystems. Dissolved organic matter optical properties have been attributed to a charge-transfer model in which donor-acceptor complexes play a primary role. This model was evaluated by measuring the absorbance and fluorescence response of organic matter isolates to changes in solvent temperature, viscosity, and polarity, which affect the position and intensity of spectra for known donor-acceptor complexes of organic molecules. Absorbance and fluorescence spectral shape were largely unaffected by these changes, indicating that the distribution of absorbing and emitting species was unchanged. Overall, these results call into question the wide applicability of the charge-transfer model for explaining organic matter optical properties and suggest that future research should explore other models for dissolved organic matter photophysics.
More Related Videos
11:44Using Cyclic Voltammetry, UV-Vis-NIR, and EPR Spectroelectrochemistry to Analyze Organic Compounds
Published on: October 18, 2018
08:54Vibrational Spectra of a N719-Chromophore/Titania Interface from Empirical-Potential Molecular-Dynamics Simulation, Solvated by a Room Temperature Ionic Liquid
Published on: January 25, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Variables Affecting Phosphorescence and Fluorescence
Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation
UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Molecular Electronic Transitions
Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Photochemical Activation