Molecular beams and model catalysis: activity and selectivity of specific reaction centers on supported nanoparticles.

Reaction kinetics on nanometer-scale particles are different from those on extended surfaces of bulk materials. This fact has been utilized for a long time to empirically maximize the performance of heterogeneous catalysts, but the understanding of the underlying effects is poor at the microscopic level. Modern molecular beam-based methods, however, allow us to derive very detailed kinetic information on catalytically active surfaces. In combination with structurally highly controlled model catalysts, microscopic insights into the activity and selectivity of specific reaction centers on catalyst nanoparticles can be obtained. This combined approach is illustrated through simple model reactions.     

A theoretical evaluation of steric and electronic effects on the structure of [OSO4 (NR3)] (NR3 = bulky chiral alkaloid derivative) complexes

Summary The novel theoretical scheme IMOMM, integrating ab initio and molecular mechanics contributions in a single geometry optimization process, is applied to the structural determination of different [OsO₄(NR₃)] (NR₃ = bulky chiral alkaloid derivative) species closely related to active catalysts for the asymmetric dihydroxylation of olefins. Computed values compare in a satisfactory way with available X-ray data, the relationship between the Os-N distance and the nature of the NR₃, ligand being properly reproduced. The computational scheme allows the separate quantification of electronic and steric effects, as well as the identification of the specific steric repulsions responsible for the difference.     

Effects of polymer architecture and composition on the adhesion of poly(tetrafluoroethylene).

Poly(glycidyl methacrylate), PGMA, chains in linear and arborescent structures were incorporated onto surfaces of poly(tetrafluoroethylene), PTFE, films by hydrogen plasma and ozone treatment and atom transfer radical polymerization. The epoxide groups of the PGMA chains were further reacted with acetic acid (AAc), oxalic acid (XAc), allyl amine (AA), and ethylenediamine (EDN) to introduce hydroxyl and amine groups to the surfaces of the PTFE films. Surface characterizations performed by Fourier Transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the surface modification and the chemical structure. The PGMA chains in arborescent structures show a high effectiveness for the enhancement of the adhesion of PTFE films. The adhesion of PTFE films was also significantly enhanced by ring-opening reactions of the PGMA epoxide groups with acetic acid and amine compounds. A high value of 9.5 N cm(-1) in the optimum 180 degrees peel strength test was observed with PTFE/copper assemblies.     

Adsorption, diffusion and desorption of chlorine on and from rutile TiO2{110}: a theoretical investigation.

The adsorption, diffusion and desorption of chlorine on and from stoichiometric, reduced and partially reduced (defective) rutile TiO2{110} are investigated using ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Theoretical results are compared with experimental investigations, and microkinetic simulations based on DFT values are then used to verify the diffusion mechanisms assumed in the experimental investigations.     

2-三氰基乙烯基蒽及其旋转异构体的量子化学研究

用量子化学从头算方法 ,在RHF/STO - 3G水平上 ,对 2_三氰基乙烯基蒽 (2_TCVA)分子进行了理论计算 ,优化得到了它的平衡几何构型 ,并计算了它的谐振动频率 .结果表明 :2_TCVA存在两种旋转异构体 :2_TCVA(1)和 2_TCVA(2 ) ,2_TCVA(2 )的总能量比 2_TCVA(1)的略高 .在PM3/CIS水平上计算了它们的电子光谱 ,得到了由基态到各激发态的垂直跃迁能和相应的振子强度 .研究表明 :2_TCVA(1)和 2_TCVA(2 )的强度最大的吸收波长分别为 2 4 9.72nm和 2 89.4 1nm ,2_TCVA(2 )的强度最大的吸收波长比 2_TCVA(1)的要长 .计算结果与实验结果符合得较好