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Updated: Apr 6, 2026

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Published on: April 10, 2015
THz-Pulse-Induced Selective Catalytic CO Oxidation on Ru
Jerry L LaRue1, Tetsuo Katayama1, Aaron Lindenberg2,3,4
1SUNCAT Center for Interface Science and Catalysis, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA.
Intense terahertz (THz) pulses selectively drive chemical reactions by directly manipulating atomic motion, unlike traditional heating methods. This THz-driven catalysis offers a new pathway for controlling chemical transformations.
Area of Science:
- Surface science
- Physical chemistry
- Chemical physics
Background:
- Chemical reactions are typically driven by thermal energy, which can lead to unwanted side reactions.
- Controlling the specific reaction pathway remains a significant challenge in catalysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of intense terahertz (THz) pulses to selectively direct chemical reactions.
- To demonstrate control over the reaction coordinate by stimulating nuclear motion.
Main Methods:
- Generation of intense, quasi-half-cycle THz pulses using coherent transition radiation from an ultrashort electron bunch.
- Application of THz pulses with electric fields comparable to intramolecular fields to a CO oxidation reaction on Ru(0001).
Main Results:
- Selective induction of CO oxidation on Ru(0001) using THz pulses.
- Suppression of thermally induced CO desorption, indicating a non-thermal reaction mechanism.
- Evidence that the reaction is initiated by electric-field-driven motion of oxygen atoms, not surface heating.
Conclusions:
- Intense THz fields can selectively direct chemical reactions by controlling nuclear motion.
- This approach offers a novel method for catalysis, distinct from thermal activation.
- The findings open new avenues for precise control over chemical transformations at the molecular level.
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