A chamber for sample preparation and transfer is being added to an existing photoelectron spectrometer. This equipment will be used to study catalysts consisting of thin films on oxide substrates. Thin metal films on various oxides will be used to examine changes in the electronic levels of the metal following adsorption and to determine reasons for differences in the properties of metal catalysts on different supports. Thin oxide films on other oxides will be examined to determine the nature of intermediates formed on mixed-oxide, acid catalysts. These systems are simplified models of classes of catalysts widely used in both production chemicals and refining of petroleum. Better understanding of the energetics involved in their behavior is an important step toward designing new catalysts.
