How the anisotropy of surface oxide formation influences the transient activity of a surface reaction

Oxide surfaces are important in many areas of technology, however, surface oxidation exhibits anisotropy, so that the local oxidation rates on crystallographically different and technologically relevant less-ideal surfaces vary substantially. To explore anisotropy effects, µm-sized stepped Rh surfaces are in the focus of the present work.
P. Winkler et al., Nature Communications (2021).

Oxide surfaces are important in many areas of technology, including fuel and energy generation/storage (reforming, syngas, fuel cells, electrolysers and batteries), corrosion, sensors, exhaust gas cleaning, and others. Intensive experimental and theoretical research during the last decade has led to the discovery that the transition from the metal to the bulk oxide may proceed via the formation of ultrathin oxide films, which are termed surface oxides. Such surface oxides, with the topmost metal layer sandwiched between two atomic layers of oxygen (O-Me–O trilayer),

can even be considered a new class of materials, as they may exhibit novel unexpected properties. However, surface oxidation exhibits anisotropy, so that the local oxidation rates on crystallographically different and technologically relevant less-ideal surfaces vary substantially.  [CONTINUE READING]

Retrieve article
P. Winkler et al., Nature Communications (2021).
Last Updated on Friday, 08 October 2021 11:52