This grant is in the general area of analytical and surface chemistry and in the subfield of surface diffusion studies. Professor Robert Gomer of the University of Chicago will study the kinetics of diffusion of atoms and small molecules on well characterized metal single crystal surfaces. These processes will be followed by a method termed "field emission fluctuation" whereby changes in voltage applied to the metal surface are used to visualize via field emission microscopy the movement of individual atoms and molecules across the surface. This work will have significant impact in the understanding of the means by which surfaces affect the reaction rates and transformations of molecules in catalytic processes. Surface diffusion studies will be conducted on active metal surfaces via field emission fluctuation for the first time. Hydrogen, deuterium and oxygen atoms will be studied on nickel and platinum single crystal planes. Carbon monoxide will also be studied on nickel and platinum. Surface roughening studies on stepped platinum surfaces will also be performed.
