In our laboratory, we study the elementary steps of chemical reactions between gas-phase molecules and solid surfaces such as the chemisorption of methane on a nickel catalyst. We use molecular beams and laser radiation to probe the reaction process at a molecular level by performing quantum state resolved reactivity measurements.
We also perform state-to-state molecule/surface scattering experiments, where the quantum state of the molecule incident on a solid surface is prepared by infrared laser excitation and the ro-vibrational quantum state distribution of the scattered molecules is analysed by the BILT detection method developed recently in our laboratory, which consists of a combination of bolometric detection and state specific infrared laser tagging.
The results of our highly detailed measurements provide stringent tests for theoretical models of gas-surface chemistry which is of importance for many industrial and technological processes. We collaborate with several theory groups with the aim to develop a predictive understanding of molecule/surface reactions.
I teach Chimie Générale for first year students in medicine at UNIL.
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Biography
Professor titulaire EPFL, 2006
Privat Docent EPFL, 1997
Habilitation and venia legendi, Universität Karlsruhe, 1996
Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, Oregon State University, 1990
Degree in Physics, Universität Stuttgart, 1985