Heterogeneous chemical reactions, such as heterogeneous catalytic reactions and atmospheric chemical reactions, proceed only at interfaces. Thus, in-situ observations of interfacial reactions are curtail for elucidating heterogeneous chemical reactions. We have developed UV-excited time-resolved HD-VSFG spectroscopy and apply this technique for investigation of chemical reactions at interfaces. For the first time, it was found that there exist half-hydrated electrons at the air/water interface after the UV-irradiation of water. We are now trying to reveal more complex chemical reactions at interfaces.
Mohammed (Matsuzaki, Kusaka)