Please join Yale Chemistry for a Silliman Theoretical seminar with Zhiyue Lu, Assistant Professor of Theoretical Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Abstract: In realistic chemical and living systems, complex behavior emerges as they operate far from equilibrium. Understanding, manipulating, and even designing such complex behaviors is of great importance. In such efforts, one could either seek universal laws—such as the second law of thermodynamics, which applies to every system but offers limited specific insight—or delve into the details of a particular system, finding solutions applicable only to limited cases. In this talk, I will present our geometry-based nonequilibrium thermodynamic theories for non-stationary processes. In particular, I will showcase the application in designing optimal catalysts that can invert spontaneous chemical reaction under oscillations of environmental conditions. Moreover, this talk demonstrates how geometry can be used to bridge the gap between new universal laws and specifically useful details, offering a new theoretical framework that balances generality with practical applicability.
For more information on Professor Lu’s research, please go to Home (zhiyuelu.wixsite.com).
Faculty Hosts: Prof. Tianyu Zhu and Prof. Victor Batista
This seminar can be viewed online here: Panopto
This seminar is generously sponsored by the Mrs. Hepsa Ely Silliman Memorial Fund.