Investigating the Catalytic Activity of ACF by Inelastic Neutron Scattering Spectroscopy.

Aluminium chlorofluoride (ACF) is an exceptionally strong Lewis acid, with important applications for industrial process chemistry and environmental chemistry. Despite efforts, however, the mechanisms of ACF action are very poorly understood; a problem magnified by the fact that ACF is amorphous. The reactivity of ACF has been shown to depend on the nature of hydrogen-based interactions at its surface. In this project we explore the interaction of a series of hydrogen-containing molecules on the surface of ACF by inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy. In this way, we aim to identify the binding mode of these important molecules and hence identify the mode of action of ACF-based catalysts.