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Acetylene decomposition on Rh(100): theory and experiment.
Davy L S Nieskens1, Francisco Ample-Navarro, Maarten M M Jansen
1Schuit Institute of Catalysis, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands. davy.nieskens@gmail.com
Summary
The decomposition of acetylene on Rh(100) was studied. Researchers identified the reaction pathway and intermediates using experimental and computational methods, revealing irreversible adsorption and decomposition to carbon and hydrogen.
Area of Science:
- Surface Science
- Chemical Kinetics
- Computational Chemistry
Background:
- Acetylene decomposition is crucial for understanding surface reactions.
- Rh(100) is a model catalyst for hydrocarbon transformations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the decomposition pathway of acetylene on Rh(100).
- To identify reaction intermediates using combined experimental and computational approaches.
Main Methods:
- Static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SSIMS)
- Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD)
- Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED)
- Density functional theory (DFT) calculations
Main Results:
- Acetylene irreversibly adsorbs on Rh(100).
- Decomposition yields atomic carbon and gaseous hydrogen.
- The reaction pathway and intermediates were determined.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully mapped the acetylene decomposition mechanism on Rh(100).
- Combined experimental and DFT methods provide a comprehensive understanding of surface reactions.