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Efficient CO Oxidation Using Dendrimer-Encapsulated Pt Nanoparticles Activated with <2% Cu Surface Atoms
Long Luo1, Liang Zhang1, Zhiyao Duan1
1Department of Chemistry, ‡Institute for Computational and Engineering Sciences, and §Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin , 105 East 24th Street, Stop A5300, Austin, Texas 78712-1224, United States.
Adding copper to platinum nanoparticles significantly enhances CO oxidation electrocatalysis. This discovery offers a new pathway for developing more efficient catalysts for this important chemical reaction.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- CO oxidation is a crucial reaction in many electrochemical applications.
- Platinum nanoparticles (Pt DENs) are effective catalysts but can be improved.
- Understanding surface modifications is key to enhancing catalytic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of copper (Cu) surface atoms on the electrocatalytic activity of platinum nanoparticles (Pt DENs) for CO oxidation.
- To elucidate the mechanism behind any observed catalytic enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Electrochemical measurements to determine onset potential shifts.
- Theoretical calculations to model catalytic mechanisms.
- Synthesis of dendrimer-encapsulated Pt nanoparticles (Pt DENs) with controlled Cu doping.
Main Results:
- A negative shift of approximately 300 mV in the onset potential for CO oxidation was observed with <2% Cu surface atoms on Pt DENs.
- Evidence for a Langmuir-Hinshelwood cocatalytic mechanism involving selective OH adsorption by Cu atoms.
- Theoretical models indicate Cu atoms preferentially reside on the (100) facets of Pt DENs.
Conclusions:
- Small amounts of Cu significantly enhance the electrocatalytic CO oxidation on Pt DENs.
- The enhanced activity is attributed to a synergistic effect where Cu facilitates OH adsorption, promoting CO oxidation.
- This finding provides insights for designing advanced bimetallic electrocatalysts.
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