Our investigations have centered on the dynamics of the surface reactions of radicals and carbenes with crystalline and amorphous carbonaceous materials, particularly diamond. We have focused on photoinitiated reactions and have used a combined experimental and computational approach.
The goals of our research are:

• To expand the range of chemical functional groups that can be added to the surface of diamond (and a:C-H).
• To improve the reliability and control of diamond and a:C-H modification reactions
• To develop novel strategies for semiconductor modification and processing.

The key to controlling any chemical reaction is understanding the mechanism by which it occurs, the conditions that affect product distribution, and reaction energetics. Our strategy is to focus on elucidate the mechanisms, energetics, and dynamics of the surface modification reactions, both directly and through the use of "molecular" analogs, such as substituted adamantanes.