IR spectra of CH4 physisorbed on an active carbon at low temperature

The IR absorption band of methane adsorbed on an active carbon was obtained at 153 K. The IR nu(1) band of methane (inherently IR inactive in the gaseous phase) adsorbed on the active carbon was induced by the electric field of surface groups, even though the adsorbent was known to be macroscopically hydrophobic. The source of the electric field was suggested to be a hydrogen-bonding surface carboxyl or phenolic OH group. The strength of the electric field was estimated to be 1.13 x 10(5) esu, although the number of sites bearing an electric field was very small. A strong electric field (1.75 x 10(5) esu) was created on the carbon surface by oxidation, and its origin was suggested to be carbonyl groups. (C) 2000 Academic Press.