Models for Reactions in Confined Space: Can Surface Science Contribute? A Review and Perspective

This paper reports and discusses some of our recent advances in surface science research on a silica film supported on a Ru(0001) substrate. This system is unique, as the silica is bound to the metal surface by dispersive forces only, and thus opens the possibility to study reactions in the confined space between the metal substrate and the silica film, acting as a permeable membrane. We demonstrate that this system allows for detailed insights into the complexity of reactions in confined space, including phenomena due to the response of the confined space to the presence of the reactants, and direct comparison to the situation when the same reaction occurs in open space.

Automated summary

This paper discusses recent advances in surface science research on a silica film supported on a Ru(0001) substrate. The unique feature of this system is the binding of silica to the metal surface solely by dispersive forces, allowing for the study of reactions in the confined space between the metal substrate and the silica film, which acts as a permeable membrane. The research demonstrates that this system provides valuable insights into the complexity of reactions in confined spaces and allows for direct comparison with reactions occurring in open space.