2011 NSLS/CFN Joint Users' Meeting

Workshop 2: Advances in Synchrotron Methods for Catalysis and Surface Science Research

Date: Monday, May 23, 2011

Organizer(s): David Starr (CFN/BNL), dstarr@bnl.gov; Dario Stacchiola (Chemistry/BNL), djs@bnl.gov; Jurek Sadowski (CFN/BNL), sadowski@bnl.gov; and Sanjaya Senanayake (Chemistry/BNL), ssenanay@bnl.gov

Location: Chemistry, Bldg. 555, Hamilton Seminar Rm.

Description: Catalysis research lies at the nexus of solving many important environmental and technological problems. By linking fundamental studies of technical catalysts to model catalysts the hope is to provide a fundamental, molecular-level understanding of catalytic processes. With this understanding designing catalysts that perform at dramatically higher levels of functionality can be achieved. Synchrotron-based methods are essential tools in this endeavor. This workshop will bring together experts in synchrotron-based spectroscopic (AP-XPS, XPS, XES, HAXPES, XAS and IR), microscopic (LEEM, PEEM), and scattering (XRD) techniques working on both technical and model catalysts. We plan to discuss and present ideas that can further research initiatives in nano-catalysis, electrochemistry and photo-catalysis that can be undertaken using synchrotron radiation. Specific focus will be given to in situ, time and spatially resolved techniques that elucidate fundamental catalytic phenomena with the aim of linking studies of fundamental, model catalysts to those of operating technical catalysts. Discussions will be devoted to the study and growth of model systems, the interaction of surface structure and chemical reactivity and the rational design of catalytic materials.