Small-Molecule Chemisorption on NiSi2: Implications for Heterogeneous Catalysis

L. H. Dubois, Ralph G Nuzzo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The chemisorption of O//2, CO, CO//2, H//2, N//2, and CH//3OH on the clean (111) surface of nickel disilicide (NiSi//2) was studied under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. Samples were characterized by high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, and Auger electron spectroscopy with experiments carried out between 170 and 300 K. The vibrational spectra clearly indicate that O//2, CO, and CO//2 dissociate on NiSi//2(111) at 170 K. Adsorbed CH//3OH yielded only a methoxide species, even at 300 K. No evidence was found for either molecular H//2 or molecular N//2 adsorption, although atomic hydrogen is strongly bound to the silicide surface. The implications of these unusual findings with respect to both heterogeneous catalysis by supported metal particles and strong metal-support interactions are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)365-369
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume105
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1983
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Chemistry(all)
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Small-Molecule Chemisorption on NiSi2: Implications for Heterogeneous Catalysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this