Impacting Non-Covalent Interactions through Vibrational Strong Coupling

Light-matter strong coupling, especially Vibrational Strong Coupling (VSC), has become a significant research focus due to its potential to alter materials' inherent physical and chemical properties. Remarkably, VSC operates even in the absence of light, harnessing subtle quantum fluctuations to influence material characteristics. Vibro-polaritonic states, which are half photonic and half material, are introduced in the molecular/material energy ladder under VSC conditions. Although the underlying mechanism remains elusive, it is proposed that these hybrid states may modify chemical reactivity and other properties by altering factors such as polarity, polarizability, and Van der Waals interactions. This evolving field, vibro-polaritonic chemistry, holds vast potential for deeper exploration, particularly within molecular sciences. This Review examines VSC's observed effects on non-bonding interactions, including hydrogen bonding and pi-pi interactions, typically governed by dispersive forces.