Spectroscopic electron energy loss spectra

As demonstrated by the results presented above, the probability of dissociative chemisorption can be readily probed by measuring the extent of carbon deposition by Auger electron spectroscopy. However, a complete picture of the dissociative adsorption process requires that the product of the dissociative chemisorption event be spectroscopically identified. For example, although the discussion has assumed that a single C-H bond cleaves upon dissociation, no evidence for this has been presented. In order to identify chemically the product of the dissociative chemisorption event, we have measured the high resolution electron energy loss spectrum for methane deposited on the Ni(lll) surface at 140 K with an incident energy of 17 kcal/mole. The spectrum is shown in Fig. 4a. A low surface temperature is chosen in order to trap the nascent product of the dissociative chemisorption and not a thermal decomposition product. The temperature of the surface has no effect on the probability for dissociative chemisorption since the dissociation occurs immediately upon impact of the molecule on the surface. 

Electron energy loss spectroscopy An analytical technique used to characterize the chemistry, bonding, and electronic structure of thin samples of materials. It is normally performed in a transmission electron microscope. The inelastically scattered electron beams are spectroscopically analyzed to give the energy spectrum of electrons after the interaction. 

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