Complex interfaces are the key to new materials in energy technology and energy-related catalysis. Most of their functionalities arise from the properties of interfaces, i.e. from the transport of electrons, ions, or intermediates across nanostructured phase boundaries. In this presentation we present model strategies, which provide detailed insight into the chemistry and physics at such interfaces. We prepare complex yet atomically-defined model interfaces and explore their functionality both under “ideal” surface science conditions and under “real” conditions, i.e. in contact with gases, liquids and in electrochemical environments. In first part, we discuss surface science studies of model systems for fuel cell catalysts based on Pt-ceria films.[1] We show how Pt can be anchored to nanostructured ceria and explore electronic metal support interactions.[2] By means of in-situ spectroscopy at the electrified interface we demonstrate that the ceria support stabilizes sub-nanometer-sized Pt nanoparticles under the conditions of dynamically changing electrode potential.[3] In the second part, we report on the development of atomically-defined model systems for complex electrocatalysts using a surface science approach. First examples are shown, in which such model electrodes are made in UHV and, subsequently, transferred into aqueous electrolytes while preserving their atomic structure (Pt nanoparticles on well-ordered Co3O4(111) films). Studying simple test reactions, we obtain detailed information on structure dependencies and metal support interactions.

Model studies in energy-related catalysis and electrocatalysis

255th National Meeting (2018)

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