Abstract
With the combination of ambient pressure XPS and STM, a formation of Pt-NiO1-x nanoclusters on Pt3Ni(111) is observed. Initially, under UHV condition, a Pt-skin surface is formed. Then, as oxygen gas is introduced, NiO1-x clusters forms on surface as Ni atoms segregate to the surface. When CO and oxygen gases are introduced at room temperature, the Pt-NiO1-x nanoclusters, the product of NiO1-x clusters and Pt skin, is observed with the presence of CO oxidation reaction. In comparison of density functional theory calculations, it is identified that interfacial Pt-NiO1-x nanostructures is responsible for a highly efficient step in the CO oxidation reaction.
