Atom-by-atom analysis of sintering dynamics and stability of Pt nanoparticle catalysts in chemical reactions.

ABSTRACT: Supported Pt nanoparticles are used extensively in chemical processes, including for fuel cells, fuels, pollution control and hydrogenation reactions. Atomic-level deactivation mechanisms play a critical role in the loss of performance. In this original research paper, we introduce real-time in-situ visualization and quantitative analysis of dynamic atom-by-atom sintering and stability of model Pt nanoparticles on a carbon support, under controlled chemical reaction conditions of temperature and continuously flowing gas. We use a novel environmental scanning transmission electron microscope with single-atom resolution, to understand the mechanisms. Our results track the areal density of dynamic single atoms on the support between nanoparticles and attached to them; both as migrating specie

SUBMITTER: Martin TE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7661282 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature