Examining the molecular origins of anomalously high HO generation at oxide-passivated metal surfaces for plasma applications.

Elucidating the mechanisms responsible for sub-microsecond desorption of water and other impurities from electrode surfaces at high heating rates is crucial for understanding pulsed-power behavior and optimizing its efficiency. Ionization of desorbed impurities in the vacuum regions may create parallel loads and current loss. Devising methods to limit desorption during the short time duration of pulsed-power will significantly improve the power output.

Trapping of Mobile Pt Species by PdO Nanoparticles under Oxidizing Conditions.

Pt is an active catalyst for diesel exhaust catalysis but is known to sinter and form large particles under oxidizing conditions. Pd is added to improve the performance of the Pt catalysts. To investigate the role of Pd, we introduced metallic Pt nanoparticles via physical vapor deposition to a sample containing PdO nanoparticles.