We show in Science Magazine how different reduction temperatures alter the support-metal nanoparticle interaction.

“Metal nanoparticles can interact so strongly with reducible oxide supports that the particle becomes coated with the metal oxide during the initial reduction steps. Monai et al. used scanning transmission electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy to explore how titanium oxide overlayers of nickel nanoparticles change during carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactions. The thicker, less crystalline titania overlayers that formed under more strongly reducing conditions were partially preserved under hydrogenation conditions. Restructuring of this overlayer created interfacial sites that favored carbon–carbon coupling reactions by providing a reservoir of surface carbon species.”

—Phil Szuromi, Editor, Science Magazine

 

Find the full paper here: https://science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adf6984https://cen.acs.org/synthesis/catalysis/An-up-close-view-catalysis-real-time/101/web/2023/05