Dynamic Surface Reconstruction of Single-Atom Bimetallic Alloy under Operando Electrochemical Conditions.

Impact Factor:

11.189

DOI number:

10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c03475

Journal:

Nano Lett.

Key Words:

Single atom alloy, Nanoparticles, Surface reconstruction, Bimetallic, Operando, Synchrotron radiation

Abstract:

The atomic-level understanding of the dynamic evolution of the surface structure of bimetallic nanoparticles under industrially relevant operando conditions provides a key guide for improving their catalytic performance. Here, we exploit operando X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy to determine the dynamic surface reconstruction of Cu/Au bimetallic alloy where single-atom Cu was embedded on the Au nanoparticle, under electrocatalytic conditions. We identify the migration of isolated Cu atoms from the vertex position of the Au nanoparticle to the stable (100) plane of the Au first atom layer, when the reduction potential is applied. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the surface atom migration would significantly modulate the Au electronic structure, thus serving as the real active site for the catalytic performance. These findings demonstrate the real structural change under electrochemical conditions and provide guidance for the rational design of high-activity bimetallic nanocatalysts.

Co-author:

Chengcheng Ao, Xinyi Shen, Lan Wang, Sicong Wang, Linlin Cao, Wei Zhang, Jingjing Dong, Jun Bao, Lidong Zhang

First Author:

Xiaokang Liu

Correspondence Author:

Tao Ding, Tao Yao

Volume:

20

Issue:

11

Page Number:

8319−8325

Translation or Not:

no

Date of Publication:

2020-10-22

Links to published journals:

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c03475