Surface Diffusion and Reaction Kinetics on Single-Crystal Metal Surfaces

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This proposal is in the general area of analytical and surface chemistry and in the subfields of surface dynamics and laser desorption. The effects of metallic and chemical additives on surface reaction kinetics will be investigated using laser-induced thermal desorption (LITD) techniques. Effects of copper and potassium additives on the surface diffusion and reaction kinetics of methanol on the (100) face of ruthenium single crystals will be explored. Rates of diffusion and reaction will be altered progressively by modulating the surface electronic structure with varying additive coverage. Factors that control surface kinetic parameters will be elucidated. The kinetics of elementary processes on surfaces are central to a microscopic understanding of surface chemistry and physics. Surface kinetic phenomena also play an essential role in predicting and controlling heterogeneous catalysis. The kinetic measurements that will be carried out in these studies will help to elucidate the role of individual elementary steps in determining reaction kinetics and provide an experimental basis for testing of theoretical models.