Low Energy Kinetic Measurements of
Cluster Ion Decomposition Reactions:
Models for Catalysis
by
Darrin Bellert
Baylor University
Research Problem:
Catalysis is not well understood. The complex nature of the catalytic system’s
environment makes resolved study nearly impossible. Therefore, to better understand
the catalytic process, we have designed an experiment where environmental parameters
are either removed or specified.
Experiment:
-ionic clusters, cooled in supersonic expansion
-A quantum of laser photon energy provides reaction activation energy
-Selective detection of fragment ions
-Direct measurement of reaction kinetic parameters
Ni+(Butanone)
Co+(Acetone)
Custom Sector
A Decomposition Reaction Mechanism
kact = activation rate
constant (limiting in this
system)
ksft = rearrangement rate
constant
An Animated Decomposition Reaction Mechanism
kH
kD
=1.9
Ni+(Ac)
Ni+CO + ethane
2
2
Co+(Ac)
Co+CO + ethane
Thank You!!
Hemispherical, kinetic energy
analyzer
More on photon absorption, next slide…
Ni+-C-O
Ni+C3H4O
Photon Absorption: How is the activation energy supplied?