Characterisation and reactivity of oxygen species at the surface of metal oxides

Surface reactive oxygen species play a fundamental role in selective oxidation and combustion reactions catalyzed by metal oxides. Unravelling the nature of these transient species, understanding details both their electronic structure reactivity has been for decades one prime research areas surface catalytic chemistry. The longstanding activity Michel Che this area source inspiration generation researchers, constitute his outstanding enduring scientific legacy. Present review provides survey on oxide materials, which moving from Che’s pioneering works includes noteworthy results obtained during years other researchers. In particular, applications two powerful techniques such as electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) photoluminescence (PL) detailed characterization (O?, O2?, O3?) diamagnetic varieties (O2?surf), respectively, are addressed here. Classification insights into formation pathways various surfaces, well involvement model real gas/solid liquid/solid photocatalytic relevance is also considered. Finally, relationship between thermodynamic kinetic Bronsted basicity low coordinated O2?Lc anions discussed, basis studies recent developments.