Infrared light on molecule-molecule and molecule-surface collisions

By analyzing measured infrared absorption of pure CH4 gas under both "free" (large sample cell) and "confined" (inside the pores of a silica xerogel sample) conditions we give a demonstration that molecule-molecule and molecule-surface collisions lead to very different propensity rules for rotational-state changes. Whereas the efficiency of collisions to change the rotational state (observed through the broadening of the absorption lines) decreases with increasing rotational quantum number J for CH4-CH4 interactions, CH4-surface collisions lead to J-independent linewidths. In the former case, some (weak) collisions are inefficient whereas, in the latter case, a single collision is sufficient to remove the molecule from its initial rotational level. Furthermore, although some gas-phase collisions leave J unchanged and only modify the angular momentum orientation and/or symmetry of the level (as observed through the spectral effects of line mixing), this is not the case for the molecule-surface collisions since they always change J (in the studied J=0-14 range).

Surface enrichment in gold/silver alloys: effects of temperature studied by atom probe tomography

Bimetallic alloys are increasingly used in heterogeneous catalysis. This interest is explained by the emergence of new features that are absent in the parent single metals. Synergistic effects between the two combined elements create a more efficient catalyst. One of the most challenging aspect of multicomponent materials in catalysis is the ability to fine-tune the catalytic properties of an alloy by controlling the nature and composition of the surface [1]. For example, the gold/silver alloy combines a high activity and a large selectivity for a broad range of oxidation reaction.It is well established that the surface composition of alloys may deviate from that of the bulk phase. Surface enrichment has also important consequences in some applications of heterogeneous catalysis. In some cases, the thermal and chemical treatments can lead to opposite trends regarding the nature of the metal prone to surface enrichment. Using atom probe tomography we aim to link the physicochemical conditions the composition of the very first atomic layers of bimetallic catalysts and eventually to fine-tune the catalytic features of the latter.