Research at the BPOC/SSNMR group is comprised of the following research themes:

Solid State NMR and modelling of photoinduced energy and electron transfer (Prof. Huub de Groot)

Huub de Groot is professor in Biophysical Organic Chemistry. With his team he works in the field of photosynthesis and artificial photosynthesis. The molecular basis for photosynthesis is formed by protein complexes and organelles that contain chlorophyll molecules. The antenna systems herein capture photons from sunlight. The light energy is then transmitted to the reaction centers, where it is converted into chemical energy. In order to study this process and work towards its application for renewable energy, we use Magic Angle Spinning (MAS) NMR, and contribute to the development of this method. We founded the first ultra high field MAS NMR facility in the world, using major European subsidies. This has triggered a revolution in the solid state MAS NMR scientific community and allows to solve structure that is inaccessible to diffraction or NMR in solution. We have initiated and participate in the development of BioSolar Cells, natural and artificial systems for the direct conversion of light energy into fuel and cellular products. Read more