in situ FTIR spectroscopy has already been proved to be versatile in its ability to provide molecular and kinetic information about the adsorption and photocatalytic reactions at the environmental interfaces. I will demonstrate that further coupling of this method with ex situ XPS and DFT modeling, as well as the capability to vary the electrochemical potential can significantly advance studies of the reaction mechanisms on metal (hydr)oxide and sulfide nanoparticles in water. I will discuss the application of this combined approach to understanding the catalytic redox reactivity of metal (hydr)oxide nanoparticles, their interaction with environmentally important anions, as well as  oxidation of metal sulfides. With the established contribution of the electrochemical effects to the chemical reactivity of semiconducting metal (hydr)oxides and sulfides, this approach may become the tool of choice to address many environmental problems where structural, quantitative, temporal, and mechanistic information on the chemical reactivity of these particles is critical.

Unique analytical capabilities of in situ FTIR spectroscopy coupled with ex situ XPS, DFT modeling, and electrochemical methods at environmental interfaces

244th National Meeting (2012)

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