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Published on: June 16, 2014
Size-selected clusters as heterogeneous model catalysts under applied reaction conditions
Sebastian Kunz1, Katrin Hartl, Markus Nesselberger
1Lehrstuhl Physikalische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748 Garching, Germany.
Size-selected metal clusters transferred from ultra high vacuum (UHV) to ambient conditions are characterized for electrochemical applications. This method enables surface area determination and probing of catalytic reactions like oxygen reduction, revealing particle size effects.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
Background:
- Characterizing metal clusters at ambient conditions is crucial for electrochemical applications.
- Transferring size-selected clusters from ultra-high vacuum (UHV) to ambient conditions presents technical challenges.
- Understanding particle size effects is vital for optimizing catalyst performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the first results of transferring size-selected metal clusters to ambient conditions for electrochemical testing.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of characterizing these clusters using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electrochemical methods.
- To investigate catalytic processes, specifically the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), on these transferred clusters.
Main Methods:
- Generating size-selected metal clusters in ultra-high vacuum (UHV).
- Transferring clusters to ambient conditions while preserving their integrity.
- Characterization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
- Electrochemical measurements to assess catalytic activity and accessible surface area.
Main Results:
- Successful transfer of size-selected metal clusters to ambient conditions was achieved.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electrochemical techniques were used for characterization.
- Well-known electrochemical processes on carbon-supported platinum (Pt) clusters were detected, allowing surface area determination.
- The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was probed, demonstrating a detrimental particle size effect consistent with industrial catalysts.
Conclusions:
- The transfer method enables robust characterization of metal clusters for electrochemical applications.
- Accessible surface area of Pt clusters can be reliably determined using electrochemical methods.
- The study confirms the detrimental particle size effect in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on metal clusters.
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