 |
|  |
High-Resolution Pulsed-Field-Ionization Ion Spectroscopy of Transition-Metal-Oxide Clusters
University of Kentucky Transition metal oxides are widely used as both catalysts and catalytic supports in petroleum refining and other industrial processes. A catalyst is a substance that initiates a desirable chemical reaction or speeds up a reaction that would otherwise be too slow to be economical. However, catalyst development is still carried out by try and error, and the rational design of new catalysts with predictable properties is a long-term goal requiring both basic and applied research. This proposal is about the fundamental aspect of the catalyst development.We will use laser-assisted synthesis to prepare metal oxide clusters in gaseous supersonic jets, mass spectrometry to measure the oxide abundance and distribution, and high-resolution pulsed-field-ionization ion spectroscopy to search for electronic-vibrational spectra. The outputs of this research will include accurate ionization and vibrational energies, electronic states, and geometric structures. The success of this work will expand our research program in a new direction, stimulate additional research in cluster science, and increase the basic knowledge about the size-dependent properties of the transition metal oxide clusters. It will open up new applications of high-resolution ion spectroscopy to transition metal clusters, enhance Kentucky’s emerging international reputation in this field, and increase our capability to compete for more national research grants. The work will also provide a variety of valuable educational experiences for undergraduate and graduate students.
|
