Quantum Tuning of Chemical Reactivity for storage and Genera

This work is a joint experimental and theoretical study that focuses on establishing the fundamental underpinnings for chemicaladsorption, dissociation, absorption, diffusion, and recombination of gaseous species on quantum-mechanically confined films andalloys of light metal elements with specific emphasis on hydrogen. The goal is (1) to obtain atomic- and molecular-levelunderstanding of the physical and chemical processes involved in hydrogen adsorption, storage, and release in novel quantum confinedmaterials; and (2) development of precise quantum control of hydrogen storage and release. Fundamental understanding of thesequantum phenomena, including the quantum stabilization of thermodynamically immiscible alloy species and their potential for tuningsurface catalytic processes, are directly relevant to the use of light-metal hydrides as storage media for hydrogen. The proposedinvestigations aim to deliver an independent, human-controlled mechanism for tailoring chemical reaction rates at surfaces,particularly those involving hydrogen, and potentially alleviate some of nature's hidden obstacles toward a viable hydrogen economy.