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In situ studies of NO reduction by H2 over Pt using surface X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy
S B Roobol1, W G Onderwaater2, M A van Spronsen1
1Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9504, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|March 14, 2017
Summary
Platinum surfaces undergo significant structural changes during high-temperature NO reduction with H2. High NO levels drive the formation of steps on platinum, potentially enhancing catalytic performance in nanoparticles.
Area of Science:
- Surface Science
- Heterogeneous Catalysis
- Materials Science
Background:
- Understanding platinum (Pt) surface dynamics under reaction conditions is crucial for catalysis.
- High-temperature reduction of nitric oxide (NO) with hydrogen (H2) is a key industrial process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in situ structural evolution of platinum surfaces during NO reduction with H2.
- To elucidate the role of gas composition and surface mobility in Pt morphology changes.
Main Methods:
- In situ surface X-ray diffraction (XRD) at 1 bar pressure.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) under reaction conditions.
Main Results:
- Observed massive material transport and extensive faceting on a Pt(110) single-crystal surface.
- Pt nanoparticles exhibited morphology changes: faceted in H2-rich, spherical in NO-rich environments.
- Formation of vicinal surfaces and steps on both flat surfaces and nanoparticles was identified.
Conclusions:
- High NO coverage and platinum surface atom mobility drive step formation.
- These steps offer potential catalytic benefits by providing strong adsorption sites.
- Findings are relevant for optimizing nanoparticle catalyst performance under high-pressure conditions.
