The Catalytic Oxidation Chemistry of Silver Surfaces

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The objectives of this study are the identification of intermediates in the partial and total oxidations of olefins on silver (110) surfaces, and quantification of the energetics of elementary steps in these processes. This includes, for partial oxidation, the production, identification, and characterization of the metallocycle intermediates relevant to catalytic oxidtion by both atomically and molecularaly adsorbed oxygen, and, for total oxidation , the investigation of the mechanism of propylene combustion. Electron energy loss spectroscopy is used to identify adsorbed intermediates and to measure the rates of reactions in which they participate, and temperature-programmed desorption is used to identify desorption products and to measure the rates of desorption. Partial oxidation of olefins, the process involved in this study, is of great commerical importance, but as presently practiced, can be applied only to a very few olefins. The results of this study could lead to better control and improved yields in the existing process. More significantly, it may point the way for extending this approach to additional olefins, which would represent a technological breakthough.