Application of the laser-induced fluorescence technique to the study of heterogeneous catalytic reactions

The laser-induced fluorescence technique has been employed to detect hydroxyl radicals (HO) present in the decomposition of water (H20) and the oxidation of hydrogen (H2) by several oxidants over polycrystalline platinum surfaces. The activation energy and the internal energy content of the HO formed in the desorption process: H* + O* -- HO* + * -- HO(g) + 2* have been quantitatively determined for the first time. The mechanism for the catalytic oxidation of H2 and the decomposition of water as well as the dynamics of HO radical production will be reviewed in detail.