We have investigated zeolite-adsorbate interactions with time-resolved (picosecond) non-linear infrared spectroscopy. In these experiments, the zeolite hydroxyl (the catalytically active, acid site) is vibrationally excited after which the energy relaxation can be monitored real-time. The effect of the presence of adsorbates on energy relaxation rates and pathways provides information on catalyst-adsorbate interaction dynamics. Furthermore, the effect of the presence of adsorbates on the homogeneous linewidth, investigated with infrared hole-burning spectroscopy, provides information on the nature of the interaction potential.

Appl. Surf. Sci.
Ultrafast Spectroscopy

Bonn, M., Bakker, H., Kleyn, A. W., & van Santen, R. A. (1997). Dynamical studies of zeolitic protons and interactions with adsorbates by picosecond infrared spectroscopy. Appl. Surf. Sci., 121/122, 80–88.