Recent In Situ/Operando Spectroscopy Studies of Heterogeneous Catalysis with Reducible Metal Oxides as Supports

For heterogeneous catalysis, the metal catalysts supported on reducible metal oxides, especially CeO2 and TiO2, have long been a research focus because of their excellent catalytic performance in a variety of catalytic reactions. Detailed understanding of the promotion effect of reducible metal oxides on catalytic reactions is beneficial to the rational design of new catalysts. The important catalytic roles of reducible metal oxides are attributed to their intimate interactions with the supported metals (e.g., strong metal-support interaction, electronic metal-support interaction) and unique support structures (e.g., oxygen vacancy, reversible valence change, surface hydroxyl). However, the structures of the catalysts and reaction mechanisms are strongly affected by environmental conditions. For this reason, in situ/operando spectroscopy studies under working conditions are necessary to obtain accurate information about the structure-activity relationship. In this review, the recent applications of the in situ/operando spectroscopy methodology on metal catalysts with reducible metal oxides as supports are summarized.

Polymorphic expressions of ultrathin oxidic layers of Mo on Au(111)

Ultrathin oxidic layers of Mo (i.e. O/Mo) on the Au(111) substrate are investigated using first-principles density-functional theory calculations. Various polymorphic structural models of these O/Mo layers are proposed and compared with previous experimental results - covering both spectroscopic and microscopic approaches of characterization. We find that, through the control of metal-oxygen coordination in these ultrathin oxidic O/Mo films on Au(111), the oxidation state of Mo atoms in the O/Mo layers can be modulated and reduced without intentional creation of oxygen vacancies. This is also assisted by a charge transfer mechanism from the Au substrate to these oxidic films, providing a direct means to tune the surface electronic properties of ultrathinoxide films on metal substrates.

Structural properties of sub-nanometer metallic clusters

At the nanoscale, the investigation of structural features becomes fundamental as we can establish relationships between cluster geometries and their physicochemical properties. The peculiarity lies in the variety of shapes often unusual and far from any geometrical and crystallographic intuition clusters can assume. In this respect, we should treat and consider nanoparticles as a new form of matter. Nanoparticle structures depend on their size, chemical composition, ordering, as well as external conditions e.g. synthesis method, pressure, temperature, support. On top of that, at finite temperatures nanoparticles can fluctuate among different structures, opening new and exciting horizons for the design of optimal nanoparticles for advanced applications. This article aims to overview geometrical features of transition metal clusters and of their various rearrangements.

2D oxides on metal materials: concepts, status, and perspectives

Two-dimensional oxide-on-metal materials: concepts, methods, and link to technological applications, with 5 subtopics: structural motifs, robustness, catalysis, ternaries, and nanopatterning.

Evidence of the O–Pd–O and Pd–O4 structure units as oxide seeds and their origin on Pd(211): revealing the mechanism of surface oxide formation

The formation of surface oxides on metal surfaces is not only important in materials science, but also of significance in heterogeneous catalysis due to the fact that during most oxidation reactions the metal catalysts are inevitably oxidized, which may cause dramatic consequences in the reactions.

Surface and interface design for heterogeneous catalysis

Recent progresses in catalytic nanocrystals with uniform and well-defined structures, in situ characterization techniques, and theoretical calculations are facilitating the innovation of efficient catalysts via surface and interface designs, including crystal phase design, morphology/facet design, and size design, followed by controlled synthesis.

2D Oxide Nanomaterials to Address the Energy Transition and Catalysis

2D oxide nanomaterials constitute a broad range of materials, with a wide array of current and potential applications, particularly in the fields of energy storage and catalysis for sustainable energy production. Despite the many similarities in structure, composition, and synthetic methods and uses, the current literature on layered oxides is diverse and disconnected. A number of reviews can be found in the literature, but they are mostly focused on one of the particular subclasses of 2D oxides. This review attempts to bridge the knowledge gap between individual layered oxide types by summarizing recent developments in all important 2D oxide systems including supported ultrathin oxide films, layered clays and double hydroxides, layered perovskites, and novel 2D-zeolite-based materials. Particular attention is paid to the underlying similarities and differences between the various materials, and the subsequent challenges faced by each research community. The potential of layered oxides toward future applications is critically evaluated, especially in the areas of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, biomass conversion, and fine chemical synthesis. Attention is also paid to corresponding novel 3D materials that can be obtained via sophisticated engineering of 2D oxides.

Crystal Structure Prediction of Magnetic Transition-Metal Oxides by Using Evolutionary Algorithm and Hybrid DFT Methods

Although numerous crystal structures have been successfully predicted by using currently available computational techniques, prediction of strongly correlated systems such as transition-metal oxides remains a challenge. To overcome this problem, we have interfaced evolutionary algorithm-based USPEX method with the CRYSTAL code, enabling the use of Gaussian-type localized atomic basis sets and hybrid density functional (DFT) methods for the prediction of crystal structures. We report successful crystal structure predictions of several transition-metal oxides (NiO, CoO, α-Fe2O3, V2O3, and CuO) with correct atomic magnetic moments, spin configurations, and structures by using the USPEX method in combination with the CRYSTAL code and Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE0) hybrid functional. Our benchmarking results demonstrate that USPEX + hybrid DFT is a suitable combination to reliably predict the magnetic structures of strongly correlated materials.

Interactions between Metal Oxides and Biomolecules: from Fundamental Understanding to Applications

Metallo-oxide (MO)-based bioinorganic nanocomposites promise unique structures, physicochemical properties, and novel biochemical functionalities, and within the past decade, investment in research on materials such as ZnO, TiO₂, SiO₂, and GeO₂ has significantly increased. Besides traditional approaches, the synthesis, shaping, structural patterning, and postprocessing chemical functionalization of the materials surface is inspired by strategies which mimic processes in nature. Would such materials deliver new technologies? Answering this question requires the merging of historical knowledge and current research from different fields of science. Practically, we need an effective defragmentation of the research area. From our perspective, the superficial accounting of material properties, chemistry of the surfaces, and the behavior of biomolecules next to such surfaces is a problem. This is particularly of concern when we wish to bridge between technologies in vitro and biotechnologies in vivo. Further, besides the potential practical technological efficiency and advantages such materials might exhibit, we have to consider the wider long-term implications of material stability and toxicity. In this contribution, we present a critical review of recent advances in the chemistry and engineering of MO-based biocomposites, highlighting the role of interactions at the interface and the techniques by which these can be studied. At the end of the article, we outline the challenges which hamper progress in research and extrapolate to developing and promising directions including additive manufacturing and synthetic biology that could benefit from molecular level understanding of interactions occurring between inanimate (abiotic) and living (biotic) materials.

Predicting Monolayer Oxide Stability over Low-Index Surfaces of TiO2 Polymorphs Using ab Initio Thermodynamics

Monolayer metal oxide coatings on metal oxide supports have the possibility of tuning the surface chemical properties of the coated systems. However, the (meta)stability of these structures makes experimental discovery challenging. A computational approach can help to determine properties that make a coating/substrate system stable and evaluate the stability of a variety of combinations. Herein, we use density functional theory (DFT) to study the stability of monolayer transitional metal oxides over different facets of anatase, brookite, and rutile phase of TiO₂. We find that coatings that have a stable polymorph matching that of the support, as well as substrates with higher surface energies, are more likely to form monolayer-coated systems. DFT calculations recommend a number of coating/TiO₂ surface facet combinations that may be stable. Despite these predictive observations, we did not find a significant correlation between monolayer stability and a single atomic, surface, or structural property of the coating/support metal/metal oxide and coating oxide monolayer stability. More complex predictive relationships need future study.

Structural Dynamics of Al2O3/NiAl(110) During Film Growth in NO2

While continuum descriptions of oxide film growth are well established, the local structural dynamics during oxide growth are largely unexplored. Here, we investigate this using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for the example of alumina film growth on NiAl(110) following NO₂ exposure. To maintain a well-defined system, we have adopted a cyclic growth approach of NO₂ adsorption and annealing. NO₂ adsorption at 693 K results in the formation of a vacancy island pattern in the NiAl(110) substrate, which is filled with AlO_x by diffusion of O through the alumina film. The patches of AlO_x coalesce to form smooth terraces upon annealing to 1200 K. By repeated cycling, we have grown films of up to 0.9 nm thick. While peak shifts in the XPS spectra indicate that the film maintains its insulating character upon thickening, our STM data show that there is a finite density of states within the band gap. The thickening of the alumina film is accompanied by the formation of trenches in the surface, which we interpret to be the result of film stress relief.

Controlling the charge state of supported nanoparticles in catalysis: lessons from model systems

Model systems are very important to identify the working principles of real catalysts, and to develop concepts that can be used in the design of new catalytic materials.

Morphology Transition Engineering of ZnO Nanorods to Nanoplatelets Grafted Mo8O23-MoO2 by Polyoxometalates: Mechanism and Possible Applicability to other Oxides

A new fundamental mechanism for reliable engineering of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods to nanoplatelets grafted Mo8O23-MoO2 mixed oxide with controlled morphology, composition and precise understanding of the nanoscale reaction mechanism was developed. These hybrid nanomaterials are gaining interest due to their potential use for energy, catalysis, biomedical and other applications. As an introductory section, we demonstrate a new expansion for the concept 'materials engineering' by discussing the fabrication of metal oxides nanostructures by bottom-up approach and carbon nanoparticles by top-down approach. Moreover, we propose a detailed mechanism for the novel phenomenon that was experienced by ZnO nanorods when treated with phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) under ultra-sonication stimulus. This approach is expected to be the basis of a competitive fabrication approach to 2D hybrid nanostructures. We will also discuss a proposed mechanism for the catalytic deposition of Mo8O23-MoO2 mixed oxide over ZnO nanoplatelets. A series of selection rules (SRs) which applied to ZnO to experience morphology transition and constitute Abdelmohsen theory for morphology transition engineering (ATMTE) will be demonstrated through the article, besides a brief discussion about possibility of other oxides to obey this theory.

The atomic simulation environment-a Python library for working with atoms

The atomic simulation environment (ASE) is a software package written in the Python programming language with the aim of setting up, steering, and analyzing atomistic simulations. In ASE, tasks are fully scripted in Python. The powerful syntax of Python combined with the NumPy array library make it possible to perform very complex simulation tasks. For example, a sequence of calculations may be performed with the use of a simple 'for-loop' construction. Calculations of energy, forces, stresses and other quantities are performed through interfaces to many external electronic structure codes or force fields using a uniform interface. On top of this calculator interface, ASE provides modules for performing many standard simulation tasks such as structure optimization, molecular dynamics, handling of constraints and performing nudged elastic band calculations.

Reducibility of ZrO2/Pt3Zr and ZrO2/Pt 2D films compared to bulk zirconia: a DFT+U study of oxygen removal and H2 adsorption

Oxide reducibility is an important property that determines the chemical and physical behavior of the materials under working conditions. Zirconia is a non-reducible oxide that exhibits high resistance to the loss of oxygen and low reactivity towards hydrogen, two typical processes involved in oxide reduction. Oxide reducibility can change substantially by nanostructuring (e.g. formation of nanoparticles). In this study, we investigate theoretically by means of DFT+U calculations including dispersion interactions the properties of 2D zirconia films supported on a Pt₃Zr alloy and Pt metal surfaces, two systems recently prepared experimentally. The results show that the supported ZrO₂ ultrathin films behave very differently from the corresponding bulk oxide, with a low formation energy of oxygen vacancies, and a clear tendency to split the H₂ molecule homolytically with direct reduction of the oxide. The comparison of free-standing and supported ZrO₂ films shows that these peculiar properties are not due to the formation of a 2D nanostructure, but rather to the presence of the metal support and of a metal/oxide interface. The results provide evidence for the uncommon properties of supported 2D oxides.

Melting of large Pt@MgO(1 0 0) icosahedra

On the basis of ab initio calculations, we present a new parametrisation of the Vervisch-Mottet-Goniakowski (VMG) potential (Vervisch et al 2002 Phys. Rev. B 24 245411) for modelling the oxide-metal interaction. Applying this model to mimic the finite temperature behaviour of large platinum icosahedra deposited on the pristine MgO(1 0 0), we find the nanoparticle undergoes two solid-solid transitions. At 650 K the 'squarisation' of the interface layer, while a full reshaping towards a fcc architecture takes place above 950 K. In between, a quite long-lived intermediate state with a (1 0 0) interface but with an icosahedral cap is observed. Our approach reproduces experimental observations, including wetting behaviour and the lack of surface diffusion.

Mechanism of Cathodic Performance Enhancement by a Few-Nanometer-Thick Oxide Overcoat on Porous Pt Cathodes of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

In a recent report, we demonstrated that few-nanometer-thick yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coating on a porous Pt cathode of a solid oxide fuel cell is an excellent facilitator of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics and an effective suppressor of Pt agglomeration. In this article, we reveal the actual role of the YSZ overcoat in the ORR process through a series of electrochemical analyses. Without the overcoat, the nanoporous Pt is significantly agglomerated during a high-temperature operation and the ORR becomes limited by the availability of triple phase boundaries (TPBs). An ultrathin YSZ overcoat prevents the ORR process from being limited by TPB area by preserving the morphology of its underlying Pt layer. More importantly, the overcoat acts as an excellent facilitator of the atomic-oxygen-species-mediated chemical process(es) that used to be rate-limiting in the ORR of a noncoated Pt/YSZ system.

Structural motifs of water on metal oxide surfaces

This review describes the state-of-the-art of the molecular-level understanding of water adsorption, dissociation and clustering on model surfaces of metal oxides.

IR spectroscopic investigations of chemical and photochemical reactions on metal oxides: bridging the materials gap

In this review, we highlight recent progress (2008–2016) in infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) studies on oxide powders achieved by using different types of metal oxide single crystals as reference systems.

Activation of CO2 by supported Cu clusters

CO₂ forms a bent, negative anion upon adsorption near a Cu₃ cluster supported on TiO₂.

Grand challenges for catalysis in the Science and Technology Roadmap on Catalysis for Europe: moving ahead for a sustainable future

This perspective discusses the general concepts that will guide future catalysis and related grand challenges based on the Science and Technology Roadmap on Catalysis for Europe prepared by the European Cluster on Catalysis.

A DFT study of (WO3)3 nanoclusters adsorption on defective MgO ultrathin films on Ag(001)

The structures and electronic properties of (WO₃)₃ nanocluster adsorption on defective MgO ultrathin films supported on Ag(001) metal surfaces have been investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations including dispersion interactions.

Hydroxylation Induced Alignment of Metal Oxide Nanocubes

Water vapor is ubiquitous under ambient conditions and may alter the shape of nanoparticles. How to utilize water adsorption for nanomaterial functionality and structure formation, however, is a yet unexplored field. Herein, we report the use of water vapor to induce the self-organization of MgO nanocubes into regularly staggered one-dimensional structures. This transformation evolves via an initial alignment of the MgO cubes, the formation of intermediate elongated Mg(OH)₂ structures, and their reconversion into MgO cubes arranged in staggered structures. Ab initio DFT modelling identifies surface-energy changes associated with the cube surface hydration and hydroxylation to promote the uncommon staggered stacked assembly of the cubes. This first observation of metal oxide nanoparticle self-organization occurring outside a bulk solution may pave novel routes for inducing texture in ceramics and represents a great test-bed for new surface-science concepts.

Local electronic structure, work function, and line defect dynamics of ultrathin epitaxial ZnO layers on a Ag(1 1 1) surface

Using combined low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy we studied the local electronic structure and work function change of the (0 0 0 1)-oriented epitaxial ZnO layers on a Ag(1 1 1) substrate. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) revealed that the conduction band minimum monotonically downshifts as the number of the ZnO layers increases up to 4 monolayers (ML). However, it was found by field emission resonance (FER) spectroscopy that the local work function of Ag(1 1 1) slightly decreases for 2 ML thick ZnO but it dramatically changes and drops by about 1.2 eV between 2 and 3 ML, suggesting a structural transformation of the ZnO layer. The spatial variation of the conduction band minimum and the local work function change were visualized at the nanometer scale by mapping the STS and FER intensities. Furthermore, we found that the ZnO layers contained line defects with a few tens of nm long, which can be removed by the injection of a tunneling electron into the conduction band.

Growing Oxide Nanowires and Nanowire Networks by Solid State Contact Diffusion into Solution-Processed Thin Films

New techniques to directly grow metal oxide nanowire networks without the need for initial nanoparticle seed deposition or postsynthesis nanowire casting will bridge the gap between bottom-up formation and top-down processing for many electronic, photonic, energy storage, and conversion technologies. Whether etched top-down, or grown from catalyst nanoparticles bottom-up, nanowire growth relies on heterogeneous material seeds. Converting surface oxide films, ubiquitous in the microelectronics industry, to nanowires and nanowire networks by the incorporation of extra species through interdiffusion can provide an alternative deposition method. It is shown that solution-processed thin films of oxides can be converted and recrystallized into nanowires and networks of nanowires by solid-state interdiffusion of ionic species from a mechanically contacted donor substrate. NaVO₃ nanowire networks on smooth Si/SiO₂ and granular fluorine-doped tin oxide surfaces can be formed by low-temperature annealing of a Na diffusion species-containing donor glass to a solution-processed V₂ O₅ thin film, where recrystallization drives nanowire growth according to the crystal habit of the new oxide phase. This technique illustrates a new method for the direct formation of complex metal oxide nanowires on technologically relevant substrates, from smooth semiconductors, to transparent conducting materials and interdigitated device structures.

Growth of transition metals on cerium tungstate model catalyst layers

Two model catalytic metal/oxide systems were investigated by photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy. The mixed-oxide support was a cerium tungstate epitaxial thin layer grown in situ on the W(1 1 0) single crystal. Active particles consisted of palladium and platinum 3D islands deposited on the tungstate surface at 300 K. Both metals were found to interact weakly with the oxide support and the original chemical state of both support and metals was mostly preserved. Electronic and morphological changes are discussed during the metal growth and after post-annealing at temperatures up to 700 K. Partial transition-metal coalescence and self-cleaning from the CO and carbon impurities were observed.

Water dissociation on MnO(1 × 1)/Ag(100)

In this work we utilize experimental and simulation techniques to examine the molecular level interaction of water with a MnO(1 × 1) thin film deposited onto Ag(100). The formation of MnO(1 × 1)/Ag(100) was characterized by low energy electron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy. Density functional theory (DFT) shows MnO(1 × 1) is thermodynamically more stable than MnO(2 × 1) by ∼0.4 eV per MnO. Upon exposure to 2.5 Torr water vapor at room temperature, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy results show extensive surface hydroxylation attributed to reactivity at MnO(1 × 1) terrace sites. DFT calculations of a water monomer on MnO(1 × 1)/Ag(100) show the dissociated form is energetically more favorable than molecular adsorption, with a hydroxylation activation barrier 0.4 eV per H₂O. These results are discussed and contrasted with previous studies of MgO/Ag(100) which show a stark difference in behavior for water dissociation.

The Surface Science of Catalysis and More, Using Ultrathin Oxide Films as Templates: A Perspective

Surface science has had a major influence on the understanding of processes at surfaces relevant to catalysis. Real catalysts are complex materials, and in order to approach an understanding at the atomic level, it is necessary in a first step to drastically reduce complexity and then systematically increase it again in order to capture the various structural and electronic factors important for the function of the real catalytic material. The use of thin oxide films as templates to mimic three-dimensional supports as such or for metal particles as well as to model charge barriers turns out to be appropriate to approach an understanding of metal-support interactions. Thin oxide films also exhibit properties in their own right that turn out to be relevant in catalysis. Thin oxide film formation may also be used to create unique two-dimensional materials. The present perspective introduces the subject using case studies and indicates possible routes to further apply this approach successfully.