Project Title
Adsorption of chemisorbed and physisorbed isopropanol on zirconium hydroxide surface using DRIFTS
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Chemistry and Biochemistry
Research Mentor Name
Mark Mitchell
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The adsorption of gases onto solid surfaces is a technique of much interest in studying decomposition. Zirconium hydroxide has reactive surface sites for the decomposition of toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents. Isopropanol is a model for understanding the reactive sites on the zirconium hydroxide surface. Because adsorption can occur by chemical bonds (chemisorption) and intermolecular forces (physisorption), the point at which adsorption switches from chemisorption to physisorption is important in understanding the decomposition process. This study examines the adsorption of isopropanol on the surface of zirconium hydroxide to determine the saturation point of both chemisorbed and physisorbed isopropanol species. Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) is used to examine the saturation points according to the number of moles of isopropanol delivered to the surface.
Disciplines
Physical Chemistry
Adsorption of chemisorbed and physisorbed isopropanol on zirconium hydroxide surface using DRIFTS
The adsorption of gases onto solid surfaces is a technique of much interest in studying decomposition. Zirconium hydroxide has reactive surface sites for the decomposition of toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents. Isopropanol is a model for understanding the reactive sites on the zirconium hydroxide surface. Because adsorption can occur by chemical bonds (chemisorption) and intermolecular forces (physisorption), the point at which adsorption switches from chemisorption to physisorption is important in understanding the decomposition process. This study examines the adsorption of isopropanol on the surface of zirconium hydroxide to determine the saturation point of both chemisorbed and physisorbed isopropanol species. Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) is used to examine the saturation points according to the number of moles of isopropanol delivered to the surface.