Detecting and utilizing minority phases in heterogeneous catalysis.

ABSTRACT: Highly active phases in carbon monoxide oxidation are known, however they are transient in nature. Here, we determined for the first time the structure of such a highly active phase on platinum nanoparticles in an actual reactor. Unlike generally assumed, the surface of this phase is virtually free of adsorbates and co-exists with carbon-monoxide covered and surface oxidized platinum. Understanding the relation between gas composition and catalyst structure at all times and locations within a reactor enabled the rational design of a reactor concept, which maximizes the amount of the highly active phase and minimizes the amount of platinum needed.

SUBMITTER: Hartfelder U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5121607 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature