Direct Observation of H2 Binding to a Metal Oxide Surface.

DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.165302
PMID: 18999681

Authors: J. Z. Larese (University of Tennessee,ORNL) , T. Arnold (Diamond Light Source) , L. Frazier (University of Tennessee) , R. J. Hinde (University of Tennessee) , A. J. Ramirez-cuesta (ISIS)
Co-authored by industrial partner: No

Type: Journal Paper
Journal: Physical Review Letters , VOL 101 (16) , PAGES 165302

State: Published (Approved)
Published: October 2008

Abstract: Inelastic neutron scattering is used to probe the dynamical response of H(2) films adsorbed on MgO(100) as a function of film thickness. Concomitant diffraction measurements and a reduced-dimensionality quantum dynamical model provide insight into the molecule-surface interaction potential. At monolayer thickness, the rotational motion is strongly influenced by the surface, so that the molecules behave like quasiplanar rotors. These findings have a direct impact on understanding how molecular hydrogen binds to the surface of materials used in catalytic and storage applications.

Subject Areas: Chemistry, Physics


Instruments: NONE-No attached Diamond beamline