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In Situ/Operando Probing of Dynamic Phase Structures of Alumina-Supported Ultrasmall Copper-Gold Alloy Nanoparticles
Han-Wen Cheng1,2, Jing Li2, Shiyao Shan2
1Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Shanghai Key Lab of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Materials Science, Academy for Engineering & Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
Ultrasmall copper-gold alloy nanoparticles exhibit dynamic crystalline-amorphous dual-phase structures, offering stable catalytic activity for carbon monoxide oxidation. This finding aids in designing robust alloy catalysts for high-temperature applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Controlling nanoparticle structure is key for catalyst design, but atomic-scale phase behavior under reaction conditions is poorly understood.
- Ultrasmall alloy nanoparticles present unique challenges and opportunities in catalysis due to their high surface area and complex phase dynamics.
- Understanding dynamic structural stability is crucial for developing efficient and durable catalysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic structural stability of alumina-supported ultrasmall copper-gold alloy nanoparticles under reaction conditions.
- To correlate atomic-scale phase structures with ensemble-averaged catalyst behavior during catalytic reactions.
- To provide insights into the design and tuning of active and stable ultrasmall alloy catalysts.
Main Methods:
- In situ atomic-scale morphological tracking under oxygen exposure.
- Operando ensemble-average structural tracking during carbon monoxide oxidation.
- Analysis of temperature-dependent dynamic crystalline-amorphous dual-phase structures.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated temperature-dependent dynamic crystalline-amorphous dual-phase structures in copper-gold alloy nanoparticles.
- Observed dynamic structural stability over an elevated temperature range, correlating with a carbon monoxide oxidation conversion plateau.
- Revealed stable, oscillatory lattice ordering/disordering and surface site dynamics during catalysis.
Conclusions:
- Atomic-scale dynamic phase stability is critical for consistent catalytic performance in ultrasmall alloy nanoparticles.
- The study provides a model for understanding the synergy between dynamic phase structures and catalytic activity.
- Findings offer a foundation for designing and optimizing high-performance alloy catalysts for demanding applications.
