Rachael G. Farber

 Farber Research Group Poster           

            Carefully controlling the surface properties, chemical interactions, and reaction mechanisms occurring during heterogeneously catalyzed reactions can drive highly selective and efficient product formation.  Our group uses ultra-high vacuum (UHV) surface science techniques to develop a fundamental understanding of the relationship between surface structure, chemical activity, and catalyst stability of 1) oxide-supported metal nanoparticles and 2) chiral-modified transition metal surfaces.   

            Oxide-supported metal nanoparticles are an effective catalyst for selective dehydrogenation reactions; this is thought to be due to the reactivity of the metal/oxide interface and chemical properties of the oxide support.  Chiral-modified catalysts are achiral catalyst surfaces templated with chiral adsorbates that effectively guide enantioselective catalysis.  The role of the templating molecule on enantioselective reactivity is not well understood for this emerging catalytic system.  Using a combination of ensemble and spatially resolved in situ UHV surface science techniques, such as low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (LT-STM/STS), we aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of the specific active sites, electronic effects, and reaction mechanisms driving efficient and selective product formation over complex heterogeneous catalysts.