Surface Chemistry Modelling of Ziegler-Natta Catalysis

This study investigates the possibility of modelling TiCl 3 Zeigler-Natta catalysts by building chloride layers on clean surfaces of Ti metal. The basal (0001) and lateral (10-10) surfaces were used to simulate the conventionally assumed inactive and poylerization-active surfaces of TiCl 3 . LEED and Auger data that a coincidence lattice of Cl forms on Ti (0001) which to some extent resembles the basal plane of TiCl 3 , while on Ti(10-10) chlorine atoms sit in the troughs. Olefins are decomposed by clean Ti, are are not adsorbed on fullt chlorided surfaces. On partially chlorided surfaces there are indications that some olefin may bond molecularly.