A simple preparation of stable, nonreactive surfaces for gas kinetic studies of reactions of hydrogen atoms

A quartz surface has been prepared for which γ, the mean collisional efficiency for removal of hydrogen atoms, is given by over the temperature range from 315 to 818 K. The preparation “cleans” the surface by contact with 10M aqueous NaOH for ˜ 15 hr and then deactivates it by contact with 10M aqueous HNO3 for ˜15 hr. The surface is stable and long‐lived even after prolonged contact with air. Preliminary results show that a similar result can be obtained using Pyrex glass surfaces.