Infrared studies of the diatomic molecules O2, N2, NO and H2 adsorbed on Fe2O3

An infrared spectroscopic study of the diatomic molecules O₂, N₂, NO and H₂ adsorbed under different conditions on Fe₂O₃ has been performed.Complex patterns of absorption on both α-Fe₂O₃ and γ-Fe₂O₃ activated in O₂ at high temperature are assigned to vibrations of two different chemisorbed O₂ species.N₂ molecules do not interact with “oxygen rich” α-Fe₂O₃ surfaces, but give N₂O^? and N₂O₂^2? species when chemisorbed on evacuated surfaces.NO molecules give complex patterns of absorption, depending on the gas pressure. Three different types of nitrate structures can be identified, as well as NO, NO^? and cis-N₂O₂ chemisorbed species. Chemisorbed water molecules are formed by contact of H₂ with Fe₂O₃ surfaces even at room temperature.