Alkane Oxidation Chemistry on Rh(111): The Relationship between Oxygen Coverage and Partial Oxidation

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Partial oxidation catalysis is an economically important but scientifically poorly understood process. The elucidation of the mechanism of partial oxidation catalysis, particularly the activation of methane and other alkanes, forms the focus of this research project supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program. Model reactions carried out on oxygen covered Rh(111) single crystal surfaces are used to probe the mechanism of the partial oxidation reaction. High resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy combined with thermal desorption spectroscopy provide information about the mechanism and kinetics of alkane oxidation on the Rh(111) surface as a function of oxygen coverage. A range of methods for preparing and examining possible radical intermediates in these reactions are employed in the studies. A better understanding of this process could have impact on the design of catalysts for utilization of vast methane energy reserves. An understanding of partial oxidation catalysis, particularly the activation of methane and its conversion to methanol or synthesis gas, could have enormous economic impact due to the large reserves of methane available. This research project works to develop this understanding, by examining the kinetics and mechanisms of appropriate model catalytic systems.