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Thermal decomposition of benzene on the Rh(111) crystal surface

Journal Article · · J. Phys. Chem.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/j100404a032· OSTI ID:5456742

Benzene decomposition on the Rh(111) crystal surface has been studied over the temperature range of 300-800 K by high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). Our results show that benzene decomposition begins at 400 K, forming a mixture of CH and C/sub 2/H species. The relative amounts of these two species vary with temperature; at 470 K, the concentration ratio of CH to C/sub 2/H is 0.4. Above 500 K, these fragments dehydrogenate and condense to form C/sub n/H polymers. By 800 K, the adsorbed monolayer is completely dehydrogenated, forming a polymeric carbon monolayer with a vibrational spectrum similar to that of an ordered graphite monolayer. The authors propose that benzene decomposition on Rh(111) proceeds by decyclotrimerization to form three acetylenes which immediately decompose to CH and C/sub 2/H species.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Colorado, Boulder
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
5456742
Journal Information:
J. Phys. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Phys. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 90:13; ISSN JPCHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English