Abstract
The acid/base properties of model MgO surfaces have been studied using various probe molecules with acid strengths ranging from those of carboxylic acids and alcohols to alkenes and alkanes. High-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy (HREELS) data show that carboxylic acids, methanol and water dissociate heterolytically on MgO surfaces. Ethylene and ethane, however, are found to adsorb associatively. Thermally generated surface defect sites exhibit stronger basic character and are capable of dissociating ethane. The present studies demonstrate the capabilities of HREELS for the investigation of the chemical properties of insulating materials.
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Wu, MC., Goodman, D.W. Acid/base properties of MgO studied by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy. Catal Lett 15, 1–11 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00770893
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00770893