SiO<sub><i>x</i></sub>-Rh(111) Interface: Stability and Activation of Small Molecules
SiO<sub>2</sub> supported Rh-based catalysts have been extensively used in CO hydrogenation reactions. The incorporation of promoters into the Rh/SiO<sub>2</sub> catalyst modulates the charge on Rh, subsequently enhancing its activity and selectivity toward C<sub>2</sub> oxygenates. Despite this, the structural and electronic properties of the Rh-SiO<sub><i>x</i></sub> interface have not been exhaustively explored. In this study, silicon was evaporated onto the Rh(111) surface, followed by annealing in O<sub>2</sub> to form ultrathin SiO<sub><i>x</i></sub> films. The results indicate that SiO<sub><i>x</i></sub> films grow on the Rh(111) surface in a layer-plus-island mode. The stabilities of the SiO<sub><i>x</i></sub>-Rh interface in O<sub>2</sub> with an elevated pressure and vacuum annealing were examined. Both O<sub>2</sub> and CO can adsorb in the interface of SiO<sub><i>x</i></sub>-Rh in elevated pressures. The binding energies of Si 2p and O 1s shift as oxygen is adsorbed in the interface. The results provide evidence for the activation of small molecules in the metal-oxide interface, and show a passivation effect of an oxide coated metal surface.
Authors
- Changle Mu
- Mingshu Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4923-9632)
- Jing Zhou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5351-2833)
- Lan Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0777-7994)
- Wuyang Song
Institutions
- University of Wyoming (US)
- Xiamen University (CN)
- Physical Sciences (United States) (US)
- Wyoming Department of Education (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Langmuir
- Published
- 2025-04-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c01035
- Primary Topic
- Nanocluster Synthesis and Applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- National Key Research and Development Program of China