Speaker
Description
Ultrahigh vacuum-based surface science studies of model catalysts consisting of metal nanoparticles supported by thin, single-crystalline oxide films have allowed to address catalysis-related topics (metal-substrate interaction, adsorbate-substrate interaction, catalytic active sites, etc.) on a fundamental level. This talk deals with thin oxide films applied in more applied settings. They were utilized as oxide substrate for the preparation of oxide-supported metal nanoparticle model catalysts by deposition of metal salts from aqueous solutions (Surface Science approach to catalyst preparation), and in electrochemical studies. I will present the results of combined STM and XPS studies of the preparation of oxide-supported Pd and Au nanoparticles, and in particular report on the influence of preparation parameters (e.g. solution pH, water rinsing, chloride effect) on the morphology of the model catalyst. Results about the stability of oxide films in electrolyte solutions and under applied potential, and the influence of an organic adsorbate (catechol) on the solubility will finally be discussed.
