As in the study of transition metal complexes in solution, molecular spectroscopic methods - principally the infrared, ultraviolet/visible and electron spin resonance spectroscopies - have played key roles in establishing the concepts of coordination chemistry occurring at the surfaces of solids. This book describes the development of the principals of coordination chemistry of oxide surfaces using analyses of data obtained by these methods. The nature, properties, concentration of the surface adsorption centers and their influence on the character of interaction with different molecules are investigated. The book commences with an account of the basic theoretical principles and experimental techniques of the various spectroscopy methods, with special attention devoted to in situ measurements where the oxide or catalyst sample is in contact with the adsorbate or the reactant. A detailed account is presented of the methods for characterizing the oxidation state and degree of coordination of surface cations and oxygen anions by the adsorption of probe molecules. The complexation of many inorganic, organometallic and organic molecules with different oxide systems is critically examined, and a classification of formed surface compounds, based on the interaction with definite type of adsorption centers, is given. Possible mechanisms of numerous catalytic reactions, including the transformation of organic molecules over acidic catalysts via the carboionic mechanism, are discussed using the spectroscopic identifications of reaction intermediates. A comprehensive analysis of the literature on the interpretation of the spectra of surface compounds on oxides is presented. This highly illustrated and extensively referenced volume is intended for specialists working in the fields of surface physical chemistry, surface and materials sciences, and adsorption phenomena and is essential reading for those involved in the heterogeneous catalysis by transition metal-oxides.

The book is a multi-author survey (in 15 chapters) of the current state of knowledge and recent developments in our understanding of oxide surfaces. The author list includes most of the acknowledged world experts in this field. The material covered includes fundamental theory and experimental studies of the geometrical, vibrational and electronic structure of such surfaces, but with a special emphasis on the chemical properties and associated reactivity. The main focus is on metal oxides but coverage extends from 'simple' rocksalt materials such as MgO through to complex transition metal oxides with different valencies.

Surface organometallic chemistry is a new field bringing together researchers from organometallic, inorganic, and surface chemistry and catalysis. Topics ranging from reaction mechanisms to catalyst preparation are considered from a molecular basis, according to which the "active site" on a catalyst surface has a supra-molecular character. This. the first book on the subject, is the outcome of a NATO Workshop held in Le Rouret. France, in May. 1986. It is our hope that the following chapters and the concluding summary of recommendations for research may help to provide a definition of surface organometallic chemistry. Besides catalysis. the central theme of the Workshop, four main topics are considered: 1) Reactions of organometallics with surfaces of metal oxides, metals. and zeolites; 2) Molecular models of surfaces, metal oxides, and metals; 3) Molecular approaches to the mechanisms of surface reactions; 4) Synthesis and modification of zeolites and related microporous solids. Most surface organometallic chemistry has been carried out on amorphous high-surf ace-area metal oxides such as silica. alumina. magnesia, and titania. The first chapter. contributed by KNOZINGER. gives a short summary of the structure and reactivity of metal oxide surfaces. Most of our understanding of these surfaces is based on acid base and redox chemistry; this chemistry has developed from X-ray and spectroscopic data, and much has been inferred from the structures and reactivities of adsorbed organic probe molecules. There are major opportunities for extending this understanding by use of well-defined (single crystal) oxide surfaces and organometallic probe molecules.

The only book to give a complete picture of current hydrogel research, covering all the major applications as well as the fundamental principles behind them.