title: Formation of surface CN from the coupling of C and N atoms on Pt(111).
abstract: Reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) and temperature-programmed desorption have been used to study the coupling of C and N atoms on Pt(111) to form surface CN. This reaction underlies the important synthesis of HCN from methane and ammonia over platinum catalysts. Since CH4 and NH3 do not thermally dissociate on Pt(111) under ultrahigh vacuum conditions, we used CH3I and electron bombardment of NH3 to generate reactive surface species. Surface CN is formed at a temperature of 500 K from surface Nads and Cads atoms. The presence of surface CN is detected by HCN desorption and through the reaction of hydrogen with CNads to form a surface >CNH2 (aminocarbyne) species, which has a characteristic RAIR spectrum.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 West Taylor Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607-7061, USA.
authors.forename: Eldad
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Herceg
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trenary