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Correlation between the TiO2 encapsulation layer on Pt and its electrochemical behavior
Raquel Aymerich Armengol1, Joohyun Lim2, Marc Ledendecker3
1Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH Max-Planck-Straße 1 40237 Germany c.scheu@mpie.de.
Nanoscale Advances
|September 22, 2022
Summary
Partial encapsulation of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles on titanium dioxide (TiO2) enhances catalyst stability but reduces Pt activity. This study reveals key structure-property relationships for strong metal-support interactions in advanced materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Strong metal-support interactions (SMSI) in supported metal catalysts lead to unique structural features affecting functionality.
- Understanding structure-property relationships in partially encapsulated catalyst systems is limited by synthesis and characterization challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize two Pt/TiO2 model catalysts with either bare or encapsulated Pt nanoparticles.
- To investigate the impact of partial TiO2 encapsulation on Pt nanoparticle morphology, local structure, and electrochemical performance.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) for characterization.
- Cyclic voltammetry (CV) to assess electrochemical activity and stability.
- Controlled synthesis by varying the order of material deposition.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the presence of an extremely thin, inhomogeneous TiO2 encapsulation layer on 2-3 nm Pt nanoparticles.
- Observed differences in morphology and local structure between bare and encapsulated Pt/TiO2 systems.
- Reported enhanced particle stability and increased H+ intercalation on titania, alongside reduced Pt activity due to encapsulation.
Conclusions:
- Partial encapsulation by TiO2 significantly alters Pt/TiO2 catalyst properties, enhancing stability while modulating activity.
- The study provides insights into SMSI, crucial for designing advanced functional materials for energy applications and electrochromic devices.
- Cyclic voltammetry can induce further encapsulation layer growth, a phenomenon relevant for long-term catalyst performance.
