Surface Chemistry of Rocksalt and Spinel 3d Transition Metal Oxides Tailored by Structural and Compositional Methods

University Of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln NE

Investigators

Abstract

Professor Marjorie Langell of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is funded by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program to study adsorbates on transition metal oxide surfaces. Professor Langell proposes to utilize well-characterized stepped surfaces to extend her previous work. The effects of cation valence and coordination on surface composition and reactivity will be probed. Xenon and water adsorption on stepped NiO surfaces are probed, for example, utilizing high resolution electron energy loss, x-ray photoemission, auger electron and thermal desorption spectroscopy. Oxides are important industrial materials whose chemical properties are governed by the presence of defects. For example, iron oxides are important as catalysts in remediation of chlorocarbons and remediation in the environment. It is a challenge to prepare well-defined defect properties in order to correlate electronic and geometric structure with reactivity. Understanding these surface reactions will aid in the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly catalysis for industrial processes.