(392h) Understanding Reaction Kinetics - from Plasma Chemistry to Catalysis to Electrocatalysis

Knowledge of reaction kinetics and the influence of the environment in which the reaction occurs is critical to understanding how the experimentally controllable variables affect the overall rate at which reactants are consumed and distribution of products formed. During my career at Berkeley, I have had the opportunity to consider reactions occurring in low-pressure plasmas, on the surface of solid catalysts, in solution catalyzed by an organometallic complex, and on the surface of a catalyst in contact with a liquid or solid electrolyte. This talk will illustrate the importance of understanding the local environment in which the reaction occurs (e.g., ionized gas, solid surface, electrolyte composition). It will also demonstrate that theory is a useful adjunct to experimental methods for gaining insights into the affects of catalyst composition and structure on the kinetics of catalyzed reactions. We will see that the dynamics of chemical reactions respond to their environment much like guests at a dinner party respond to the ensemble of guests, the quality of the food and drink, and the ambiance.