Unlike thermal, photochemical, and electrochemical reactions which are initiated by electronic excitation or transition within or among reactant molecules under the influence of heat, light, or electrical bias, tribochemical reactions are initiated by mechanical actions imposed onto the molecules by the solid surface. Here, the key question is how the mechanical energy of moving solid surfaces is channeled into reaction coordinates of molecules that are normally inaccessible by typical thermal reaction conditions? We have addressed this question through carefully designed experiments and collaborations with computational groups. This talk will focus on the effects of chemical structures of the adsorbed molecules that are being sheared at the sliding interface as well as the roles of surface chemistry of solid substrates and surrounding gas environments.

Catalysis by mechanical forces?

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.