In this project in the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Raftery will develop a magnetic resonance technique to enhance surface signals in catalyst materials. The technique, called Optical Pumping Enhancement for NQR of Surfaces (OPENS), overcomes the usual limitations of sensitivity by combining optical pumping with nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) detection in zero magnetic field. Surface signal enhancements of five orders of magnitude are expected compared with normal NQR detection. Polarization transfer from xenon atoms to surface quadrupolar nuclei will be employed. Detection limits will be investigated using an isotopic nitrogen-14 compound. Selective oxidative catalysts are used in many chemical production processes world wide, translating into billions of dollars of commerce annually. Industrial applications of catalytic materials range from new routes for the synthesis of important materials to elimination of harmful waste by-products. In these studies the structure of catalytic materials will be studied using a new magnetic resonance technique in order to learn how they function and to be able eventually to improve their manufacture and use. Initial materials examined will be those from catalytic systems of practical importance, copper oxide and titanium dioxide.
