Surface Chemical Dynamics Group

Michael White, Robert Beuhler, Nicholas Camillone, and Alexander Harris

A fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of chemical transformations at surfaces requires understanding the dynamics of progression along the reaction coordinate as molecules approach a surface, adsorb, diffuse, break and form bonds and desorb. The goal of the Surface Chemical Dynamics Group in The Chemistry Department at BNL is to address the challenge of understanding how charge and energy transfer dynamics govern atomic and molecular dynamics on the reactive potential energy surface of the molecule-interface system. We are pursuing this goal by measuring the real-time and state-resolved dynamics of surface chemical transformations at interfaces.

Common themes that undergird this effort include investigating the real-time dynamics of desorption and of electrons at interfaces, probing the size dependence of molecular, vibrational, and electronic dynamics on supported nanoparticles, and understanding the role of surface defects in the surface chemical dynamics. Current and proposed areas of investigation include:

            • photoinduced desorption and reaction of O₂ on TiO₂ surfaces,
            • oxidation reactions on silver surfaces,
            • electronic structure and dynamics of O₂ on TiO_2,
            • ultrafast studies of desorption dynamics from single crystal metal surfaces,
            • ultrafast studies of desorption dynamics from supported metal nanoparticles,
            • electronic structure and dynamics in oxide-supported metal nanoparticles, and
            • adsorbate vibrational relaxation dynamics on nanoparticles. 

An understanding of the dynamics of various surface processes provides conceptual links among BNL efforts in Catalysis, Catalysis on the Nanoscale, Nanoscale Charge Transfer and work in the ultrafast laser laboratories at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials. Close coupling of these efforts leverages expertise and infrastructural resources across a broad base to more effectively advance our understanding of surface chemical transformations on both planar and nanostructured surfaces

Last update on Friday April 23, 2004