Regensburg 2025 – scientific programme

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O: Fachverband Oberflächenphysik

O 63: Oxides and Insulator Surfaces: Adsorption and Reaction of Small Molecules II

O 63.2: Talk

Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 10:45–11:00, H25

Characterization of rhodium single atoms as dicarbonyls on TiO₂(110) — •Moritz Eder, Faith Lewis, Panukorn Sombut, Johanna Hütner, David Rath, Jan Balajka, Jiri Pavelec, and Gareth Parkinson — Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Austria

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their potential to minimize noble metal usage by isolating active atoms on metal (oxide) surfaces. However, stabilizing these single atoms remains a major challenge. Ligands, such as carbon monoxide, can stabilize single atoms by transforming them into surface-bound metal complexes, closely resembling the well-defined species in homogeneous catalysis. In this contribution, we present a comprehensive characterization of a ligand-stabilized single atom: a rhodium gem-dicarbonyl (Rh(CO)₂) bound to rutile TiO₂(110). Using XPS, TPD, scanning probe, and a newly developed IRRAS apparatus, we provide a detailed analysis of these sites. Our findings are contextualized through comparisons with theoretical models and insights from powder catalyst studies in the literature. This work demonstrates that multi-technique approaches are essential for the accurate characterization of single-atom catalysts, offering a deeper understanding of their structure and stability.

Keywords: Single atom; catalysis; IRRAS; nc-AFM; titania