LASER-INDUCED ACTIVATION OF METHANE AT OXIDE SURFACES - A PROBE OF RADICAL SURFACE INTERACTIONS

C-H bond activation was studied via pulsed laser irradiation of oxides in a methane atmosphere. Carbon monoxide was the major product observed at low power densities and room temperature. Significant amounts of C2 products, ethane, ethylene, and acetylene were formed. CO, C2H6, C2H4, and C2H2 are assigned as primary products of the reaction. Laser-induced methane activation produces .CH3 and :CH2 radical species in the gas phase via a plasma mechanism and is utilized as a tool to study radical-oxide surface interactions. These reactions are surface sensitive as evidenced by the changes in conversion and product selectivity as a function of oxide pretreatment and oxides used. © 1990 American Chemical Society.