Visualization of atomic scale reaction dynamics of supported nanocatalysts during oxidation and ammonia synthesis using in-situ environmental (scanning) transmission electron microscopy

Reaction dynamics in gases at operating temperatures the atomic level are basis of heterogeneous gas–solid catalyst reactions and crucial to function. Supported noble metal nanocatalysts such as platinum interest fuel cells diesel oxidation catalysts for pollution control, practical ruthenium explored ammonia synthesis. Graphite graphitic carbons supports nanocatalysts. Despite considerable literature on catalytic processes graphite supports, reaction different reactive gas environments single atom not well understood. Here we present real time in-situ observations analyses Pt oxidation, Ru synthesis, related under controlled using a novel environmental (scanning) transmission electron microscope with resolution. By recording snapshots dynamics, behaviour is imaged. The images reveal atoms, clusters few atoms support These all play key roles mobility, sintering growth catalysts. experimental findings provide new structural insights into scale morphology stability