Evolution of amorphous ruthenium nanoclusters into stepped truncated nano-pyramids on graphitic surfaces boosts hydrogen production from ammonia.

ABSTRACT: Atomic-scale changes can significantly impact heterogeneous catalysis, yet their atomic mechanisms are challenging to establish using conventional analysis methods. By using identical location scanning transmission electron microscopy (IL-STEM), which provides quantitative information at the single-particle level, we investigated the mechanisms of atomic evolution of Ru nanoclusters during the ammonia decomposition reaction. Nanometre-sized disordered nanoclusters transform into truncated nano-pyramids with stepped edges, leading to increased hydrogen production from ammonia. IL-STEM imaging demonstrated coalescence and Ostwald ripening as mechanisms of nanocluster pyramidalization during the activation stage, with coalescence becoming the primary mechanism under the reaction conditions. S

SUBMITTER: Chen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11718984 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature