Understanding catalysis, and in particular heterogeneous catalysis, has been based on the investigation of model systems. The enormous success of metal single crystal model surface chemistry, pioneered by physical chemists, is an outstanding example. Increasing the complexity of the models towards supported nano particles, resembling a real disperse metal catalyst, allows one to catch in the model some of the important aspects that cannot be covered by single crystals alone. One of the more important aspects is the support particle interface. We have developed strategies to prepare such model systems based on single crystalline oxide films which are used as supports for metal and oxide nano particles, whose geometric structure, morphology, electronic structure, as well as interaction and reaction with molecules from the gas phase may be studied at the atomic level. After a general introduction to model studies in catalysis, results from different research areas are presented: 2D-3D-morphology, geometric, and electronic structure of supported metal nano particles in relation to reactivity of CO2 as well as on two-dimensional silicates and reaction in confined space.

Award Address (ACS Award in Surface Chemistry sponsored by the Procter & Gamble Company) Models for heterogeneous catalysts: Complex materials at the atomic level

2019 Spring National Meeting

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