This research project, supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, focuses on the interfacial chemistry of polycrystalline and single-crystal palladium electrodes. Professor Soriaga and his students at Texas A & M University will use electrochemical methods combined with scanning tunneling microscopy and surface spectroscopy to study the coordination chemistry, adsorbate-activated sites for electron transfer reactions of solution redox couples, and electrocatalytic reactions of small molecules that occur at these palladium electrode surfaces. Applications involving fuel cells, electrocatalysis, corrosion/passivation, and sensors need new electrode technologies. The economics of many of these applications often prohibit their acceptance in real settings. Palladium electrodes exhibit unusual phenomena that are poorly understood at present but which have the potential to generate significant scientific and technological impact on these areas. A number of methods will be used to study the properties of palladium electrode surfaces under many conditions suitable for their use in the areas listed above in order to better understand and control these unusual phenomena.
