Development of operando PTRF-XAFS technique for 3D structure determination of active metal species on an oxide single-crystal surface during a catalytic reaction

Abstract

Polarization-dependent total reflection fluorescence X-ray absorption fine structure (PTRF-XAFS) is a powerful technique to determine a 3D structure of highly dispersed metal species on a single-crystal oxide surface which is considered as a model of oxide-supported metal catalysts. Recently we have developed an operando PTRF-XAFS technique applied to metal nanoparticles on oxide surfaces. The apparatus consists of a compact vacuum chamber which works both as the PTRF-XAFS cell and batch-type reactor. In our talk, we will describe the operando PTRF-XAFS technique and its application to a Pt/Al₂O₃(0001) surface during CO oxidation process.