The surface science of heterogeneous catalysis

The authors have concentrated their studies of molecular-scale catalysis on transition metals, which catalyze hydrocarbon conversion reactions, and on the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide. They studied platinum, an excellent catalyst for dehydrocyclization of alkanes to aromatic molecules, and rhodium, which produces oxygenated organic molecules from carbon monoxide and hydrogen selectively. They also investigated iron, that catalyzes the ammonia synthesis from nitrogen and hydrogen as well as the CO-H/sub 2/ reaction. From these studies they identified three necessary ingredients of selective molecular-scale catalysis: atomic surface structure, an active carbonaceous deposit, and the proper oxidation stat of surface atoms.