Dresden 2026 – scientific programme

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O: Fachverband Oberflächenphysik

O 94: Oxides and insulators: Adsorption and reaction of small molecules

O 94.10: Talk

Friday, March 13, 2026, 12:00–12:15, HSZ/0204

Bridging the Gap: Interpreting Photocatalysis Under Ambient Conditions Based on Findings from Surface Science — •Martin Tschurl, Philip Petzoldt, Lucia Mengel, Paula Neumann, Anna Lemperle, and Ueli Heiz — Chair of Physical Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748 Garching, Germany

The interpretation of heterogenous photocatalytic reactions is usually closely linked to electrochemistry. Based on a qualitative, exclusively thermodynamic picture, it normally focuses on the properties of photon-generated charge-carriers. However, some years ago in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) studies, we discovered that for the heavily studied Pt-titania system, a fundamentally different reaction mechanism governs the photocatalytic conversion of alcohols. This mechanism underscores the critical role of surface chemistry - an aspect often neglected in the interpretation of applied photocatalysts. In this presentation, we will interpret systems operating under ambient conditions based on insights gained from UHV experiments. This way, we also demonstrate merit of surface science studies for a comprehensive understanding of photocatalysis.

Keywords: Titanium Dioxide; Photocatalysis; Pressure Gap; Alcohols