0 votes
44 views
ago in Computational Chemistry by (520 points)
What is the mechanism of the catalytic reaction between methanol and oxygen on a platinum (111) surface using density functional theory calculations?

1 Answer

0 votes
ago by (350 points)
As a chemist, I can provide you with a general outline of the mechanism of the catalytic reaction between methanol and oxygen on a platinum  111  surface. However, it is important to note that density functional theory  DFT  calculations are complex computational methods that require specialized software and expertise to perform. Here, I will describe the general mechanism without going into the specifics of DFT calculations.The catalytic oxidation of methanol on a platinum  111  surface involves several steps:1. Adsorption: Methanol  CH3OH  and oxygen  O2  molecules adsorb onto the platinum  111  surface. The adsorption of methanol typically occurs through the oxygen atom, forming a methoxy intermediate  CH3O . Oxygen molecules dissociate into atomic oxygen  O  upon adsorption.2. Formation of intermediates: The adsorbed methoxy species  CH3O  can undergo further reactions on the platinum surface. One possible pathway is the dehydrogenation of methoxy to formaldehyde  CH2O  and hydrogen  H . The hydrogen atoms can then react with the adsorbed atomic oxygen to form water  H2O .3. Reaction between intermediates: The adsorbed formaldehyde  CH2O  can react with the adsorbed atomic oxygen  O  to form formate  HCOO  or CO2 and H2O. Alternatively, the formaldehyde can undergo further dehydrogenation to form CO and H2O.4. Desorption: The final products, such as CO2, H2O, or CO, desorb from the platinum  111  surface, leaving the surface available for further catalytic cycles.In order to study this mechanism using density functional theory  DFT  calculations, one would need to model the platinum  111  surface and the adsorbed species, and calculate the potential energy surfaces for each step of the reaction. This would allow for the determination of reaction barriers, intermediates, and transition states, providing a deeper understanding of the reaction mechanism and its kinetics.
Welcome to Sarvan Science Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...