Structure and Impact of Spatial and Spatio-Temporal States on Catalytical Surfaces

自然界中存在着种类繁多、复杂程度广的时空格局。这种结构在复杂的非线性行为中显示出数学上可预测的秩序。化学和生物反应与传递过程（如扩散或流体动力对流）的耦合导致反应系统中活性化合物的空间组织分布的形成。​本研究的目的是对发生化学反应的多相催化剂表面空间和时空格局的形成和演化进行实验、理论和数值的协调研究。实验将用红外成像仪定量表征催化表面的静止和行波温度模式。分析和数值研究将有助于指导和组织实验研究，并指导模式形成预测原理的发展。反过来，这些实验将作为理论预测的关键测试，并作为模型开发和修改的指南。这项研究应该有助于建立一个框架来预测导致空间和时空研究形成的反应类别和机制，导致这些模式演变的条件，表面不均匀性对这些结构状态的影响，以及这些模式对催化剂性能的影响。这项研究应该提供这些温度模式有多普遍的信息，指出目前在催化表面上进行的实验解释中的潜在缺陷，并提高利用这些结构用于化学合成目的的能力。

Large variety of spartial and spatio-temporal patterns with a wide degree of complexity exist in nature. Such structures show mathematically predictable order in the midst of complex nonlinear behavior. The coupling of chemical and biological reactions to transport processes such as diffusion or hydrodynamic convection leads to the formation of spatially organized distributions of the reactive compounds in reacting systems. The objective of this research is to conduct a coordinated experimental, theoretical and numerical study of the formation and evolution of spatial and spatio-temporal patterns on the surface of heterogeneous catalysts on which chemical reactions occur. The experiments will characterize quantitatively stationary and travelling wave temperature patterns on catalytic surfaces using an infrared imager. Analytical and numerical studies will help direct and organize the experimental studies and guide the development of principles predicting pattern formation. The experiments, in turn, will serve as a critical test of theoretical predictions and as a guide to model development and modifications. The study should help develop a framework for predicting the classes of reactions and mechanisms which lead to the formation of spatial and spatio-temporal studies, the conditions which lead to the evolution of these patterns, the impact of surface nonuniformities on these structured states, and the impact of these patterns on the performance of a catalyst. The study should provide information on how common these temperature patterns are, point out potential pitfalls in current interpretation of experiments carried out on catalytic surfaces, and advance the ability to exploit these structures for chemical synthesis purposes.