Capturing Catalyst Strain Dynamics during <i>Operando</i> CO Oxidation.

Grimes, Michael; Atlan, Clément; Chatelier, Corentin; Bellec, Ewen; Olson, Kyle; Simonne, David; Levi, Mor; Schülli, Tobias U et al. · ACS Nano · 2024

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Understanding the strain dynamic behavior of catalysts is crucial for the development of cost-effective, efficient, stable, and long-lasting catalysts. Using time-resolved Bragg coherent diffraction imaging at the fourth generation Extremely Brilliant Source of the European Synchrotron (ESRF-EBS), we achieved subsecond time resolution during <i>operando</i> chemical reactions. Upon investigation of Pt nanoparticles during CO oxidation, the three-dimensional strain profile highlights significant changes in the surface and subsurface regions, where localized strain is probed along the [111] direction. Notably, a rapid increase in tensile strain was observed at the top and bottom Pt {111} facets during CO adsorption. Moreover, we detected oscillatory strain changes (6.4 s period) linked to CO adsorption during oxidation, where a time resolution of 0.25 s was achieved. This approach allows for the study of adsorption dynamics of catalytic nanomaterials at the single-particle level under <i>operando</i> conditions, which provides insight into nanoscale catalytic mechanisms.