Orientation of Molecules Attached to Electrode Surfaces.
Abstract
This AFOSR project investigates the structure, composition, orientation, mode of attachment and reactivity of the molecular species which form when metals come into contact with fluids. A series of discoveries, as well as advances in research methodology (and thus far 54 scientific articles) have resulted during the first five years of this project. These include; (i) determination of the spatial orientation and mode of attachment of typical aromatic molecules chemically bonded to electrode surfaces; (ii) discovery that each orientation of an adsorbed molecular reacts differently; (iii) identification of many of the variables which influence adsorbate orientation, including concentration of temperature, potential electrolyte, solvent, surface structure, pH, an mixtures of solutes; (iv) demonstration that electrodeposition of metals which is controlled by the above variables; and (v) discovery that exposure of Platinum or Silver surfaces to salt solutions forms highly-ordered and chemically unique surface layers of virtually non-ionic species. These findings were made possible by development of unique surface characterization procedures in which LEED, Auger spectroscopy, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thin-layer electrochemistry are combined together. Development of these methods has been made possible by support from AFOSR, including an instrumentation grant from the DOD-URIC program in 1985-86. A series of remarkable AFOSR-supported experiments are now in progress with the new instrument. (Keywords: Electrochemistry, Surface' Surfaces; Electrodes, Adsorbates.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA178177
Entities
People
- Arthur T. Hubbard
Organizations
- University of California, Santa Barbara