In experiments conducted at the University of Pittsburgh in the laboratory of Dr. John T. Yates, we have demonstrated that spectroscopy of adsorbed nitrogen is a sensitive probe of defect sites created by this method. One manuscript has been published in Surface Science. One manuscript is in preparation. Our studies have provided the means to quantify accurately the rates of photochemical reactions on surfaces. One manuscript has been published in the Journal of Chemical Physics.
Photochemistry is the study of chemical reactions produced by light.
In an automobile catalytic converter, the same reaction occurs in the absence of light on platinum and rhodium particles deposited on a ceramic honeycomb. Recently, at Wellesley College, with active participation of undergraduate students, I have pioneered a technique for studying radiation chemistry with surface science methods. Radiation chemistry has numerous applications, including modifying physical properties of polymers, curing surface coatings and adhesives, sterilizing food and disposable medical supplies, treating sewage sludge and exhaust gases, synthesizing organic molecules, and treating cancer. Electrons with energies as low as 10 electron volts may have sufficient energy to cause ionization and may provide better insight into radiation chemistry. One manuscript has been published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry.