faculty

Professor of Chemistry, Applied Physics, Physics, and Chemical Engineering
Ph.D., University of California-Berkeley

Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Physical Chemistry

Phone: (734) 764-7354
E-mail: gland@umich.edu

Research Group
Surface Chemistry

Two dimensional surfaces offer many unique opportunities to explore fundamental aspects of chemistry important in catalysis, semiconductor processing, electrochemistry and lubrication. Chemical reactions, long range interactions, and chemical bonding in two dimensions are different than those in three dimensional systems in intriguing ways. However, the enhanced reactivity induced by chemical bonding to the surfaces can often be understood based on analogies with bonding in three dimensional systems. The reactivity of adsorbed species, coupled with the constrained dimensionality provided by surfaces, offer a fascinating and complex environment for reaction chemistry.

Our research program is focused on the chemical properties and reactivity of solid surfaces. This broad ranging program addresses a number of exciting scientific opportunities in surface chemistry. Each student has a well-defined project which is integrated into larger frontier areas. Our research currently emphasizes molecular mechanisms of hydrogen induced surface reactions on metals, in-situ methods for studying the bonding and reactivity of adsorbed species, optimized catalytic materials and mechanisms of partial oxidation on silver, and thin film materials for chemical sensing.

Our surface studies utilize modern surface characterization methods which have wide application in many areas of science and technology. In conjunction with our primary areas of research, we also develop new techniques for surface exploration. Recently we have developed Fluorescence Yield Near Edge Spectroscopy (FYNES), a powerful method for characterizing absorbed monolayers and surface reactions in reactive atmospheres. Collaborative programs with both industrial and national laboratories afford students the opportunity to experience research in academic, national laboratory, and industrial settings.

REPRESENTATIVE PUBLICATIONS

1. JT Ranney, JL Gland. "Direct Reaction of Adsorbed Molecular Oxygen with Hydrazine on the Pt (111) Surface" Surf. Sci., in press.
2. SM Kane, DR Huntley, JL Gland. "Toluene Formation from Coadsorbed Methanethiol and Benzenethiol on the Ni(111) Surface" J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 3781.
3. KA Son, JL Gland. "Carbon-Carbon Bond Activation in Cyclopropane by Energetic Forms of Hydrogen on the Ni(100) Surface" J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, 117, 5415.
4. SX Huang, DA Fischer, JL Gland. "Aniline Hydrogenolysis on Nickel: Effects of Surface Hydrogen and Surface Structure" Cat. Lett. 1995, 34, 365.