Structure Sensitivity of the Hydrogenolysis of Simple Hydro-carbons on Platinum Single Crystals

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This is a continuation of ongoing research to test the extent to which certain principles from coordination chemistry can be applied to surface reactions; it has already been shown that the principle of conservation of orbital symmetry can model the variation in rates as a function of index plane (crystal face) for the decomposition of either nitric oxide or ethylene on platinum. In this study, this is extended to hydrogenolysis of hydrocarbons on platinum; ethane, ethylene, cyclopropane, cyclobutane, and cyclopentane are studied. Past studies show puzzling variation in structure sensitivity through this series. An attempt to explain these will be made using a combination of theoretical and experimental approaches, including electron energy-loss spectroscopy, temperature-programmed desorption, scanning tunnelling microscopy, radiotracer studies, and chemical kinetics. The ability to predict sensitivity and energetics is essential for design and control of catalytic processes at the molecular level. It is also pertinent to other problems in environmental control and materials stability and performance.