Low Energy Kinetic Measurements of Cluster Ion Decomposition Reactions: Models for Catalysis by Darrin Bellert Baylor University
Research Problem: Catalysis is not well understood. The complex nature of the catalytic system’s environment makes resolved study nearly impossible. Therefore, to better understand the catalytic process, we have designed an experiment where environmental parameters are either removed or specified. Experiment: -ionic clusters, cooled in supersonic expansion -A quantum of laser photon energy provides reaction activation energy -Selective detection of fragment ions -Direct measurement of reaction kinetic parameters Ni + (Butanone) Co + (Acetone) Custom Sector
A Decomposition Reaction Mechanism k act = activation rate constant (limiting in this system) k sft = rearrangement rate constant
An Animated Decomposition Reaction Mechanism
kHkH kDkD =1.9
Ni + (Ac) Ni + CO + ethane
2
2
Co + (Ac) Co + CO + ethane
Thank You!!
Hemispherical, kinetic energy analyzer
More on photon absorption, next slide… Ni + -C-O Ni + C 3 H 4 O
Photon Absorption: How is the activation energy supplied?