In this RUI research project, Professor Arumainayagam in the Department of Chemistry at Wellesley College is studying the interactions of low energy electrons with halocarbon overlayers on transition metal surfaces. With the support of the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, post-irradiation thermal desorption methods are used to identify the formation of active intermediates, and to follow the kinetics and mechanisms of the electron initiated reaction chemistry. This work is providing fundamental information about the mechanisms of radiation induced damage in solids and liquids. This information may be applied in developing an understanding of radiation induced processes in environmental and atmospheric systems.
Professor Arumainayagam and his colleagues at Wellesley College are examining the kinetics and mechanisms of electron induced decomposition chemistry of halocarbon overlayers adsorbed on transition metal surfaces. These fundamental investigations provide a vehicle for research training of undergraduate scientists, as well as important knowledge with application to the understanding of environmental and atmospheric reaction cycles.
