2. Low Energy Kinetic Measurements of Cluster Ion Decomposition Reactions: Models for Catalysis by Darrin Bellert Baylor University

3. 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

5. A Decomposition Reaction Mechanism k act = activation rate constant (limiting in this system) k sft = rearrangement rate constant

6. An Animated Decomposition Reaction Mechanism

10. kHkH kDkD =1.9

11. Ni + (Ac) Ni + CO + ethane

12. 2

13. 2

14. Co + (Ac) Co + CO + ethane

15. Thank You!!

16. Hemispherical, kinetic energy analyzer

19. More on photon absorption, next slide… Ni + -C-O Ni + C 3 H 4 O

20. Photon Absorption: How is the activation energy supplied?