Alkali Monolayers on Transition Metal Surfaces: Electronic Promotion in Catalysis

摘要

Potassium monolayers on the platinum (111) crystal surface were studied most extensively. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy showed a large decrease in the work function of the surface when potassium was adsorbed. The heat of desorption of potassium decreased with increasing coverage. Low energy electron diffraction (LEED) showed that potassium forms hexagonal (close packed) overlayer structures. The effects of potassium on the chemisorption of various small molecules on Pt(111) were studied. Oxygen and nitric oxide were readily adsorbed and dissociated by potassium, forming stable potassium-oxide complexes on the surface. Adsorption heat of carbon monoxide on Pt(111) increased with potassium coadsorption. High resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy showed that the carbon-oxygen bond of adsorbed carbon monoxide was weakened by potassium. Adsorption heat of benzene, however, was decreased by coadsorbed potassium. A molecular orbital explanation was given to explain the effects of potassium. CO hydrogenation reactions performed on metal foils showed that the addition of alkali adlayers tends to decrease the overall rate of reaction. Changes in selectivity were noted, shifting the product distribution in favor of higher molecular weight species and from alkanes to alkenes. (ERA citation 09:000785)