Structure and reactivity of thin aqueous films
EMSL Project ID
42300
Abstract
Energetic processes at surfaces and interfaces are important in fields such as radiation chemistry, radiation biology, waste processing, and advanced materials synthesis. Low-energy electrons (<100 eV) frequently play a dominant role in these energetic processes since the higher energy primary particles produce numerous low-energy, chemically active, secondary electrons. In addition, the presence of surfaces or interfaces modifies the physics and chemistry compared to what occurs in the bulk. We will use quadrupole mass spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and other ultra-high vacuum surface science techniques to investigate energetic, electron-stimulated reactions at surfaces and interfaces, in nanoscale materials, and in thin molecular solids. We will also explore the structure of water near interfaces since it plays a crucial role in the thermal and non-thermal chemistry occurring there. A key element of the approach is to use a tunable, mono-energetic electron beam to unravel the complex chemistry that results from the simultaneous release of electrons with a broad range of energies by the primary excitation events associated with ionizing radiation. This work addresses several important issues, including understanding the relative importance of the primary excitation source compared to the secondary electrons it produces, the relationship between water structure near an interface and the non-thermal reactions occurring there, and energy transfer and new reaction pathways at surfaces and interfaces.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2010-10-01
End Date
2011-10-03
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members