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Hydrogen Oxidation on Stepped Rh Surfaces: µm-Scale versus Nanoscale.
M Datler1, I Bespalov1, S Buhr1
11Institute of Materials Chemistry, Technische Universität Wien, 1060 Vienna, Austria.
Catalysis Letters
|May 2, 2020
Summary
Catalytic hydrogen oxidation on rhodium (Rh) surfaces is highly sensitive to surface structure. Higher step and defect densities enhance Rh activity and oxygen poisoning tolerance for this crucial reaction.
Area of Science:
- Heterogeneous catalysis
- Surface science
- Materials science
Background:
- The hydrogen oxidation reaction is fundamental in catalysis.
- Rhodium (Rh) is a key catalyst for this reaction.
- Surface structure significantly influences catalytic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the catalytic hydrogen oxidation reaction on stepped Rh surfaces.
- To understand the role of surface structure, steps, and defects in catalytic activity and poisoning tolerance.
- To correlate surface morphology with reaction performance.
Main Methods:
- In situ study of catalytic H2 oxidation on polycrystalline Rh foil using photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM).
- Analysis of a Rh nanotip using field-ion microscopy (FIM) and field-emission microscopy (FEM).
- Controlled experiments at a pressure range of 10^-6 mbar.
Main Results:
- Catalytic activity and oxygen poisoning tolerance strongly depend on step density and defects.
- Surface area and defect concentration are critical factors for Rh catalyst performance.
- High-Miller-index domains exhibited varying catalytic behavior based on their step structure.
Conclusions:
- The density of steps and defects on Rh surfaces dictates catalytic performance for hydrogen oxidation.
- Optimizing surface structure, including step edges and defect sites, is crucial for enhancing catalyst activity and stability.
- Understanding structure-activity relationships is key for designing advanced Rh-based catalysts.
