A model catalyst, from the surface science perspective, is a simpler version of a practical complex catalyst with a well-defined structure of identifiable and countable sites, on a surface. The model is inspired by a real catalyst which helps to understand a catalytic phenomenon in more depth, in particular in regards to mechanistic aspects. Ultra-thin two-dimensional inorganic nanoporous materials have been synthesized to mimic zeolites, which are the most used catalysts in the industry by volume.<br/>In this study, we explore the behavior of the 2D-model zeolite under elevated pressures. We observe that CO penetrates readily through the nano-pores of the two-dimensional zeolite (2dH) model system to adsorb on a Ru (0001) surface. However, infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) experiments show that inclusion of Argon atoms within the nanopores restricts the passage of CO molecules, preventing it adsorption on the Ru (0001) surface. The trapping of Ar atoms on the 2D-zeolite model was also demonstrated by ambient pressure XPS at the CSX-2 beamline of the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II). The permeability of gasses (e.g. CO) through 2dH is significantly affected by the (reversible) trapping of Ar, making these structures interesting candidates for tunable atomic and molecular sieves.

Two-dimensional zeolites and their study with surface science tools: Trapping Ar in the nano-cages

254th National Meeting (2017)

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