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Reaction Mechanisms on Multiwell Potential Energy Surfaces in Combustion (and Atmospheric) Chemistry

Journal Article · · Annual Review of Physical Chemistry
 [1]
  1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)
Chemical reactions occurring on a potential energy surface with multiple wells are ubiquitous in low temperature combustion and the oxidation of volatile organic compounds in earth’s atmosphere. The rich variety of structural isomerizations that compete with collisional stabilization make characterizing such complex-forming reactions challenging. This review describes recent experimental and theoretical advances that deliver increasingly complete views of their reaction mechanisms. New methods for creating reactive intermediates coupled with multiplexed measurements provide many experimental observables simultaneously. Automated methods to explore potential energy surfaces can uncover hidden reactive pathways, while master equation methods enable a holistic treatment of both sequential and well-skipping pathways. Our ability to probe and understand nonequilibrium effects and reaction sequences is increasing. These advances provide the fundamental science base for predictive models of combustion and the atmosphere that are crucial to address global challenges.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
1343063
Report Number(s):
SAND--2016-10085J; 648118
Journal Information:
Annual Review of Physical Chemistry, Journal Name: Annual Review of Physical Chemistry Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 68; ISSN 0066-426X
Publisher:
Annual ReviewsCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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