Direct observation of interfacial Au atoms on TiO₂ in three dimensions

Nano Letters
Wenpei GaoJian-Min Zuo

Abstract

Interfacial atoms, which result from interactions between the metal nanoparticles and support, have a large impact on the physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles. However, they are difficult to observe; the lack of knowledge has been a major obstacle toward unraveling their role in chemical transformations. Here we report conclusive evidence of interfacial Au atoms formed on the rutile (TiO2) (110) surfaces by activation using high-temperature (∼500 °C) annealing in air. Three-dimensional imaging was performed using depth-sectioning enabled by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. Results show that the interface between Au nanocrystals and TiO2 (110) surfaces consists of a single atomic layer with Au atoms embedded inside Ti-O. The number of interfacial Au atoms is estimated from ∼1-8 in an interfacial atomic column. Direct impact of interfacial Au atoms is observed on an enhanced Au-TiO2 interaction and the reduction of surface TiO2; both are critical to Au catalysis.

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Citations

Mar 7, 2019·Faraday Discussions·Steven BardeyValérie Keller
Feb 14, 2020·Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP·Peiyu ChenMartin R Castell
Oct 31, 2020·Acta Crystallographica. Section A, Foundations and Advances·Aram YoonJian Min Zuo
Oct 19, 2017·The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·M EckhoffD J Wales
Aug 5, 2017·Journal of the American Chemical Society·Shengyang WangCan Li
Oct 29, 2020·Chemical Reviews·Rui LangTao Zhang

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