Chemisorption and anodic oxidation of aromatic molecules on Pd electrode surfaces: studies by UHV-EC-STM /

Bibliographic Details
Main Author:	Chen, Xiaole, 1974-
Other Authors:	Soriaga, Manuel P. (Thesis advisor)
Format:	Thesis eBook
Language:	English
Published:	[College Station, Tex.] : [Texas A&M University], [2006]
Subjects:	Major chemistry. Hydroquinone EC-STM Surface Science HREELS Electrochemistry Chemisorption Pd single crystals
Online Access:	Link to OAK Trust copy

Description
Abstract:	The chemisorption and anodic oxidation of hydroquinone (H²Q) andbenzoquinone (BQ) at palladium electrode surfaces was studied by a combination of electrochemistry (EC), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), high-resolution electron-energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) and electrochemical-scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM) on a smooth polycrystalline and well-defined (single-crystalline)Pd(100) electrode surface. The results point to the following more critical conclusions:(i) Chemisorption of H²Q from dilute (less than or equal to 0.1 mM) aqueous solutions forms surface-coordinated BQ oriented parallel albeit with a slight tilt. (ii) At high concentrations (greater than or equal to 1mM), chemisorption yields an edge-vertical oriented diphenolic species. (iii) The extent of anodic oxidation of the chemisorbed organic strongly depends upon its initial orientation; only the flat-adsorbed species are oxidized completely to carbon dioxide. (iv) The rate of anodic oxidation is likewise dependent upon the initial adsorbate orientation; the rate for vertically-oriented species is more than twice that of flat-adsorbed species. (v) The chemisorbed species are not oxidized (to the same extent)simultaneously; instead, oxidation occurs one molecule at a time. That is, molecules that survive the anodic oxidation and remain on the surface retain their original identities.
Item Description:	"Major Subject: Chemistry" Title from author supplied metadata (automated record created on Apr. 14, 2006.) Vita. Abstract. Electronic resource.
Format:	Mode of access: World Wide Web. System requirements: World Wide Web access and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Bibliography:	Includes bibliographical references.