Capturing Catalyst Strain Dynamics during Operando CO Oxidation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Surface Science

Background:

• Understanding catalyst strain dynamics is key for developing efficient and stable catalysts.
• Operando studies are essential for observing catalysts under reaction conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the 3D strain behavior of platinum nanoparticles during CO oxidation.
• To achieve subsecond time resolution for observing dynamic catalytic processes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized time-resolved Bragg coherent diffraction imaging.
• Employed the European Synchrotron (ESRF-EBS) for high-resolution measurements.
• Studied platinum nanoparticles during CO oxidation reactions.

Main Results:

• Observed significant strain changes in surface and subsurface regions of Pt nanoparticles.
• Detected localized strain along the [111] direction.
• Measured rapid tensile strain increase on Pt {111} facets during CO adsorption.
• Identified oscillatory strain changes with a 6.4 s period during CO oxidation.
• Achieved a time resolution of 0.25 s.

Conclusions:

• The study provides unprecedented insight into the adsorption dynamics of catalytic nanomaterials at the single-particle level.
• This technique allows for detailed analysis of nanoscale catalytic mechanisms under operando conditions.
• The findings contribute to the design of improved catalysts by understanding their dynamic behavior.