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Investigation of the Kinetics of a Surface Photocatalytic Reaction in Two Dimensions with Surface‐enhanced Raman Scattering
Author(s) -
van Schrojenstein Lantman Evelien M.,
Gijzeman Onno L. J.,
Mank Arjan J. G.,
Weckhuysen Bert M.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
chemcatchem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.497
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1867-3899
pISSN - 1867-3880
DOI - 10.1002/cctc.201402647
Subject(s) - monolayer , catalysis , raman spectroscopy , kinetics , chemistry , photocatalysis , surface enhanced raman spectroscopy , raman scattering , heterogeneous catalysis , photochemistry , reaction rate , molecule , spectroscopy , chemical kinetics , chemical physics , reaction mechanism , chemical engineering , organic chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , optics , engineering , biochemistry
Heterogeneous catalysis is a surface phenomenon. Yet, though the catalysis itself takes place on surfaces, the reactants and products rapidly take the form of another physical state, as either a liquid or a gas. Catalytic reactions within a self‐assembled monolayer are confined within two dimensions, as the molecules involved do not leave the surface. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy is an ideal technique to probe these self‐assembled monolayers as it gives molecular information in a measured volume limited to the surface. We show how surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy can be used to determine the reaction kinetics of a two‐dimensional reaction. As a proof of principle, we study the photocatalytic reduction of p ‐nitrothiophenol. A study of the reaction rate and dilution effects leads to the conclusion that a dimerization must take place as one of the reaction steps.