Fourier transform infrared-probed O(3P) microreactor: demonstration with ethylene reactions in argon matrix.

To demonstrate the development of an oxygen atom microreactor in the form of liquid-helium-cooled solid argon matrix deposited on an infrared (IR) window, the oxidation of ethylene by mobile O atoms has been investigated. O atom diffusion through the argon matrix is confirmed and used to examine ethylene-oxygen atom reactions. In a bench-scale matrix isolation system probed with a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer, matrices of solid Ar at 8-10 K doped with NO2 and ethylene have been prepared on a ZnSe window within an evacuated cryostat.