Nitrogen-induced reconstruction and faceting of Re(112¯1)

Application of Scanning Tunneling Microscopy in Electrocatalysis and Electrochemistry

Abstract

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has gained increasing attention in the field of electrocatalysis due to its ability to reveal electrocatalyst surface structures down to the atomic level in either ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) or harsh electrochemical conditions. The detailed knowledge of surface structures, surface electronic structures, surface active sites as well as the interaction between surface adsorbates and electrocatalysts is highly beneficial in the study of electrocatalytic mechanisms and for the rational design of electrocatalysts. Based on this, this review will discuss the application of STM in the characterization of electrocatalyst surfaces and the investigation of electrochemical interfaces between electrocatalyst surfaces and reactants. Based on different operating conditions, UHV-STM and STM in electrochemical environments (EC-STM) are discussed separately. This review will also present emerging techniques including high-speed EC-STM, scanning noise microscopy and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Graphic Abstract

On the origin of high activity of hcp metals for ammonia synthesis

Structure and activity of nanoparticles of hexagonal close-packed (hcp) metals are studied using first-principles calculations. Results show that, in contact with a nitrogen environment, high-index {134[combining macron]2} facets are formed on hcp metal nanoparticles. Nitrogen molecules dissociate easily at kink sites on these high-index facets (activation barriers of <0.2 eV). Analysis of the site blocking effect and adsorption energies on {134[combining macron]2} facets explains the order of activity of hcp metals for ammonia synthesis: Re < Os < Ru. Our results indicate that the high activity of hcp metals for ammonia synthesis is due to the N-induced formation of {134[combining macron]2} facets with high activity for the dissociation of nitrogen molecules. However, quite different behavior for adsorption of dissociated N atoms leads to distinctive activity of hcp metals.