Polarization-Dependent Sum-Frequency-Generation Spectroscopy for In Situ Tracking of Nanoparticle Morphology.

The surface structure of oxide-supported metal nanoparticles can be determined via characteristic vibrations of adsorbed probe molecules such as CO. Usually, spectroscopic studies focus on peak position and intensity, which are related to binding geometries and number of adsorption sites, respectively. Employing two differently prepared model catalysts, it is demonstrated that polarization-dependent sum-frequency-generation (SFG) spectroscopy reveals the average surface structure and shape of the nanoparticles.

Interplay between CO Disproportionation and Oxidation: On the Origin of the CO Reaction Onset on Atomic Layer Deposition-Grown Pt/ZrO Model Catalysts.

Pt/ZrO model catalysts were prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and examined at mbar pressure by sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy and near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) combined with differentially pumped mass spectrometry (MS). ALD enables creating model systems ranging from Pt nanoparticles to bulk-like thin films. Polarization-dependent SFG of CO adsorption reveals both the adsorption configuration and the Pt particle morphology.

Coverage-Induced Orientation Change: CO on Ir(111) Monitored by Polarization-Dependent Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory.

Polarization-dependent sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy was applied to study the adsorption of carbon monoxide (CO) on the well-ordered (annealed) Ir(111) single-crystal surface at various CO coverages. Coverage was adjusted by varying the substrate temperature (300-575 K) and/or gas pressure (10 to 1.0 mbar).

Polarization-Dependent SFG Spectroscopy of Near Ambient Pressure CO Adsorption on Pt(111) and Pd(111) Revisited.

Polarization-dependent sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy was employed to examine CO overlayers on Pt(111) and Pd(111) single crystal surfaces at room temperature. Utilizing different polarization combinations (SSP and PPP) of the visible and SFG light allows to determine the molecular orientation (tilt angle) of interface molecules but the analysis of the measured is involved and requires a proper optical interface model. For CO/Pt(111), the hyperpolarizability ratio is not exactly known and varying in the range 0.

In situ NAP-XPS spectroscopy during methane dry reforming on ZrO/Pt(1 1 1) inverse model catalyst.

Due to the need of sustainable energy sources, methane dry reforming is a useful reaction for conversion of the greenhouse gases CH and CO to synthesis gas (CO  +  H). Syngas is the basis for a wide range of commodity chemicals and can be utilized for fuel production via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The current study focuses on spectroscopic investigations of the surface and reaction properties of a ZrO/Pt inverse model catalyst, i.

Atmospheric pressure reaction cell for operando sum frequency generation spectroscopy of ultrahigh vacuum grown model catalysts.

A new custom-designed ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) chamber coupled to a UHV and atmospheric-pressure-compatible spectroscopic and catalytic reaction cell is described, which allows us to perform IR-vis sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy during catalytic (kinetic) measurements. SFG spectroscopy is an exceptional tool to study vibrational properties of surface adsorbates under operando conditions, close to those of technical catalysis. This versatile setup allows performing surface science, SFG spectroscopy, catalysis, and electrochemical investigations on model systems, including single crystals, thin films, and deposited metal nanoparticles, under well-controlled conditions of gas composition, pressure, temperature, and potential.