Thermal stability and reactions of CH2, CH3 and C2H5 species on the metal surfaces

The results obtained on thermal stability and reactions of CyHy hydrocarbon fragments on metal surfaces are discussed. CxHy species are produced by thermal and photo-induced dissociation of corresponding iodo compounds. Whereas CH3 and CH2 are mainly converted into CH4 on Pt metals at 140-180 K, they recombine readily to yield C-2 compounds on Ag and Cu surfaces. The C2H5 reacted to form C2H4 and C2H6 on metal surfaces at 160-230 K. Effects of additives and coadsorbed species on the reactions of CxHy moieties are also examined.