Surface Photochemistry of Molecules Adsorbed on Supported Metal Catalysts

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In this research project, supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, Professor Grassian will study the photodissociation and photodesorption of adsorbates from oxide supported metal particles, using both tunable pulsed laser and broadband light sources. Infrared and mass spectrometry will be used to monitor the reactions of methyl halides and CO adsorbed on Pt/SiO2 and Pt/Al2O3 surfaces. The results of this research will help researchers to understand the dynamics of surface photochemistry. Measurements on high surface area supported particles will be compared with results obtained for similar systems on single crystal metal surfaces in ultra high vacuum. %%% The interaction of light with catalytic systems may be an important route to the catalytic synthesis of novel molecular species. In order to investigate the possibility and promise of photocatalysis, a detailed understanding of photoinitiated chemistry on highly dispersed oxide supported metal particles must be obtained. This research project addresses the fundamental questions underlying photocatalytic processes.