Imaging Molecular Adsorbates and Chemical Reactions on Metal Surfaces by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

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The development of scanning tunneling microscopy for the imaging of molecular adsorbates is the goal of this research project, supported in the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program. An ultra high vacuum scanning tunneling microscope will be used to image selected molecular adsorbate systems and surface chemical reactions. Small aromatic molecules adsorbed on Pd(111) surfaces will be investigated both experimentally and theoretically to develop an understanding of the STM imaging mechanism, and to determine the limits of real space and real time observation of chemical reactions on surfaces. Cyclization of acetylene to benzene will form the focus of reaction studies. In order to develop a microscopic understanding of chemical reactions catalyzed by noble metal surfaces, real space and real time structural information must be obtained. The goal of this research project is to develop both the experimental methods and the theoretical understanding needed to use scanning tunneling microscopy to provide this structural information.