Physics

New research on chemical physics from Seoul National University, Department of Chemistry summarized

  2010 AUG 31 - (VerticalNews.com) -- Researchers detail in 'Energy barrier of proton transfer at ice surfaces,' new data in chemical physics. According to recent research from Seoul, South Korea, "We estimated the energy barrier of proton transfer on ice film surfaces through the measurement of the H/D exchange kinetics of H(2)O and D(2)O molecules. The isotopomeric populations of water molecules and hydronium ions on the surface were monitored by using the techniques of reactive ion scattering and low energy sputtering, respectively, along the progress of the H/D reaction."

  "When hydronium ions were externally added onto an ice film at a temperature of 70 K, a proton was transferred from the hydronium ion mostly to an adjacent water molecule. The proton transfer distance and the H/D exchange rate increased as the temperature increased for 90-110 K. The activation energy of the proton transfer was estimated to be 10±3 kJ mol(-1) on a polycrystalline ice film grown at 135 K. The existence of a substantial energy barrier for proton transfer on the ice surface agreed with proton stabilization at the surface. We also examined the H/D exchange reaction on a pure ice film surface at temperatures of 110-130 K," wrote E.S. Moon and colleagues, Seoul National University, Department of Chemistry.

  The researchers concluded: "The activation energy of the reaction was estimated to be 17±4 kJ mol(-1), which was contributed from the ion pair formation and proton transfer processes on the surface."

  Moon and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Chemical Physics (Energy barrier of proton transfer at ice surfaces. Journal of Chemical Physics, 2010;133(4):044709).

  For additional information, contact E.S. Moon, Seoul National University, Dept. of Chemistry, Gwanak-ro 599, Seoul 151-747, South Korea.

  Keywords: City:Seoul, Country:South Korea, Chemical Physics.

  This article was prepared by VerticalNews Physics editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2010, VerticalNews Physics via VerticalNews.com.