Reactivity and mass transfer of low-dimensional catalysts

Understanding the mechanisms governing chemical and morphological changes induced by an ambient-pressure gas and how such changes influence the activity of heterogeneous catalysts is central to the formation of a predictive capability for structure-reactivity relationships. With techniques such as ambient-pressure photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and surface X-ray diffraction, active phases and reaction intermediates can be probed in situ on relevant samples to form a comprehensive picture of this dynamic interplay between gases and surfaces. Of particular interest is the interaction of oxygen and carbon monoxide with catalysts. We will describe how model systems of increased complexity can be used to investigate gas-mediated mass transfer processes that may occur even at relatively modest temperatures. Furthermore, we will discuss how the morphology may be tailored to study specific contributions from defect sites and charge transfer to catalytic activity.