Energy Resolved Studies of Dynamics, Reactivity and Mechanism at the Gas-Surface Interface

在本项目中，塔夫茨大学的亚瑟教授乌茨将研究原子和分子的运动（动力学）如何促进气体-表面界面的化学反应。气体表面反应是从多相催化到材料沉积和半导体制造的工业过程的基础。拟议的研究将结合联合收割机量子态分辨激光激发的气相试剂与超高真空表面科学技术，以显示特定的分子运动（键拉伸，弯曲和表面振动）如何促进反应。另一条调查路线将探索决定反应性的能量再分配过程的速率和途径。 实验将揭示气相试剂和表面的振动能如何影响反应性。表面振动的研究将是一个特别重要的焦点，因为它有可能告知我们对纳米颗粒独特催化活性的理解。这项工作的最终目标是更好地了解影响气体表面反应性的重要变量，旨在设计更好的理论，确定化学控制的新策略，并揭示新的实际应用。本研究的结果将为理论界提供许多有用的数据来检验最新的理论。本研究的结果也将为设计实用的催化反应方案提供重要的指导，这对工业生产具有重要意义。参加这项研究的学生和博士后研究人员获得了新的知识和技能，为深造或进入科学/技术就业市场做准备。PI还将指导部门努力将积极的公民身份纳入塔夫茨大学的本科和研究生课程。这些努力将更好地准备塔夫茨大学的学生参与公共话语，参与外联活动，并在他们的职业生涯中纳入积极公民的原则。

In this project supported by the Chemical Structure Dynamics and Mechanisms Program of the Division of Chemistry, Prof. Arthur Utz of Tufts University will study how the motions (dynamics) of atoms and molecules can promote chemical reactivity at the gas-surface interface. Gas-surface reactions underlie industrial processes ranging from heterogeneous catalysis to materials deposition and semiconductor fabrication. The proposed studies will combine quantum state-resolved laser excitation of a gas phase reagent with ultra-high vacuum surface science techniques to show how specific molecular motions (bond stretches, bends, and surface vibrations) promote reactivity. Another line of inquiry will explore the rates and pathways for energy redistribution processes that dictate reactivity. The experiments will reveal how vibrational energy in the gas-phase reagent and in the surface impact reactivity. The study of surface vibrations will be a particularly significant focus as it has the potential to inform our understanding of the unique catalytic activity of nanoparticles. The ultimate goal of this work is to develop a better understanding of the important variables that influence gas-surface reactivity, with an aim towards designing better theories, identifying new strategies for chemical control, and revealing new practical applications. The results of this study will provide theorists with much useful data to test the latest theories. The results of this research will also provide important guidance in designing practical catalytic reaction schemes, which are important to industry. Students and postdoctoral research associates who participate in this research acquire new knowledge and skills in preparation for advanced studies or entrance into the scientific/technological job market. The PI will also guide departmental efforts to incorporate active citizenship into the undergraduate and graduate curriculum at Tufts. These efforts will better prepare Tufts students engage in public discourse, participate in outreach activities, and incorporate the principles of active citizenship in their professional careers.