The application of surface vibrational spectroscopy to the study of adsorbates on electrode surfaces is the focus of this research project in the Analytical and Surface Chemistry program. Professor Weaver will examine both in situ electrochemical interfaces as well as electrode surfaces transferred into the UHV environment. Carbon monoxide will be used as a probe molecule to investigate the interactions of adsorbate and solvent molecules in model double layer electrochemical environments. Surface reconstruction on gold and platinum group substrates will be examined, as well as its relation to electrochemical adsorption and reactivity. %%% Spectroscopic studies of electrochemical interfaces will be carried out using a variety of model systems and approaches. An understanding of the structure and reactivity of the solid-solution interface will enable the design and optimization of electrochemical systems with important application in electrocatalysis, power generation and storage, and electrochemical synthesis.
