Structurally defined SnO2 substrates, nanostructured Au/SnO2 interfaces, and their distinctive behavior in benzene and methanol oxidation

Wu Jiang, Yijun Pang, Lingli Gu, Yao Yao, Qin Su, Weijie Ji*, Chak Tong Au

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

50 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

SnO2 crystallites of regular morphology [rhombic dodecahedra (r.d-SnO2), elongated octahedra (e.o-SnO2), and octahedra (o-SnO2)], together with low-dimensional rod-clusters (r.c-SnO2) and plates (p-SnO2), were controllably synthesized. Based on (HR)TEM, SEM, and SEAD characterizations, the SnO2 facets were identified as {1 1 1}, {1 1 0}, and {1 0 1}. Au nanoparticles of 2.2–2.4 nm with narrow particle size deviation (±0.6–0.7 nm) were monodispersed on the SnO2 substrates. Au/SnO2 interfacial structures with structurally defined oxide substrate and comparable Au particle size and morphology were accomplished. The systems achieved made it possible to study the distinct interfaces in catalytic benzene combustion and methanol oxidation. H2 TPR, O2 TPD, and XPS characterizations revealed that the specific Au–SnO2 interaction has a strong effect on the reactivity of surface and bulk lattice oxygen, the oxidation state of surface Sn atoms, and the sort and relative concentration of surface oxygen adspecies. The Au/SnO2{1 1 0} and Au/SnO2{1 0 1} interfaces favor selective oxidation of methanol, whereas Au/SnO2{1 1 1} enhances total oxidation of both benzene and methanol. These interfacial structures were rather stable in both reactions. Through structural analysis of SnO2 facets, the evolution of active oxygen species and the possible reaction pathways of benzene combustion have been proposed. The involved reaction pathways are notably influenced by the specific Au/SnO2 interfacial structure and the nature of the reactant molecule, as well as the reaction temperature. The current study gained insight into the significance of specific Au/SnO2 facets determining the catalytic activity of benzene and methanol oxidation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)183-196
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Catalysis
Volume349
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Catalysis
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

User-Defined Keywords

  • Benzene combustion
  • Facet structure
  • Gold
  • Interfacial structure
  • Methanol oxidation
  • Tin oxide

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Structurally defined SnO2 substrates, nanostructured Au/SnO2 interfaces, and their distinctive behavior in benzene and methanol oxidation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this