A combined rotating disk electrode-surface x-ray diffraction setup for surface structure characterization in electrocatalysis.

Characterizing electrode surface structures under operando conditions is essential for fully understanding structure-activity relationships in electrocatalysis. Here, we combine in a single experiment high-energy surface x-ray diffraction as a characterizing technique with a rotating disk electrode to provide steady state kinetics under electrocatalytic conditions. Using Pt(111) and Pt(100) model electrodes, we show that full crystal truncation rod measurements are readily possible up to rotation rates of 1200 rpm.

Model Studies on the Ozone-Mediated Synthesis of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles from Dicobalt Octacarbonyl in Ionic Liquids.

Low-temperature synthesis in ionic liquids (ILs) offers an efficient route for the preparation of metal oxide nanomaterials with tailor-made properties in a water-free environment. In this work, we investigated the role of 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [C C Pyr][NTf ] in the synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles from the molecular precursor Co (CO) with ozone. We performed a model study in ultra-clean, ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions by infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) using Au(111) as a substrate.

Self-Metalation of Anchored Porphyrins on Atomically Defined Cobalt Oxide Surfaces: In situ Studies by Surface Vibrational Spectroscopy.

Metalation of anchored porphyrins is essential for their functionality at hybrid interfaces. In this work, we have studied the anchoring and metalation of a functionalized porphyrin derivative, 5-(4-carboxyphenyl)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin (MCTPP), on an atomically-defined CoO(100) film under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions. We follow both the anchoring to the oxide surface and the self-metalation by surface Co ions via infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS).

Water on Oxide Surfaces: A Triaqua Surface Coordination Complex on CoO(111).

The interaction of water with metal oxides controls their activity and stability in heterogeneous catalysis and electrocatalysis. In this work, we combine density functional theory calculations and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) to identify the structural motifs formed upon interaction of water with an atomically defined CoO(111) surface. Three principal structures are observed: (i) strongly bound isolated OD, (ii) extended hydrogen-bonded OD/DO structures, and (iii) a third structure which has not been reported to our knowledge.

From nappe stacking to exhumation: Cretaceous tectonics in the Apuseni Mountains (Romania).

New Ar-Ar muscovite and Rb-Sr biotite age data in combination with structural analyses from the Apuseni Mountains provide new constraints on the timing and kinematics of deformation during the Cretaceous. Time-temperature paths from the structurally highest basement nappe of the Apuseni Mountains in combination with sedimentary data indicate exhumation and a position close to the surface after the Late Jurassic emplacement of the South Apuseni Ophiolites. Early Cretaceous Ar-Ar muscovite ages from structurally lower parts in the Biharia Nappe System (Dacia Mega-Unit) show cooling from medium-grade conditions.

2H-Tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butyl)phenylporphyrin on a Cu(110) Surface: Room-Temperature Self-Metalation and Surface-Reconstruction-Facilitated Self-Assembly.

The adsorption behavior of 2H-tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butyl)phenylporphyrin (2HTTBPP) on Cu(110) and Cu(110)-(2×1)O surfaces have been investigated by using variable-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. On the bare Cu(110) surface, individual 2HTTBPP molecules are observed. These molecules are immobilized on the surface with a particular orientation with respect to the crystallographic directions of the Cu(110) surface and do not form supramolecular aggregates up to full monolayer coverage.