Structure sensitivity in oxide catalysis: First-principles kinetic Monte Carlo simulations for CO oxidation at...

We present a density-functional theory based kinetic Monte Carlo study of CO oxidation at the (111) facet of RuO2. We compare the detailed insight into elementary processes, steady-state surface coverages, and catalytic activity to equivalent published simulation data for the frequently studied RuO2(110) facet. Qualitative differences are identified in virtually every aspect ranging from binding energetics over lateral interactions to the interplay of elementary processes at the different active sites. Nevertheless, particularly at technologically relevant elevated temperatures, near-ambient pressures and near-stoichiometric feeds both facets exhibit almost identical catalytic activity. These findings challenge the traditional definition of structure sensitivity based on macroscopically observable turnover frequencies and prompt scrutiny of the applicability of structure sensitivity classifications developed for metals to oxide catalysis.