posted on 2024-01-16, 17:42authored byZitao Chen, Haoyan Cheng, Zhenming Cao, Jiawei Zhu, Thomas Blum, Qinyuan Zhang, Miaofang Chi, Younan Xia
Nanoparticle sintering has long been a major challenge
in developing
catalytic systems for use at elevated temperatures. Here we report
an in situ electron microscopy study of the extraordinary
sinter resistance of a catalytic system comprised of sub-2 nm Pt nanoparticles
on a Se-decorated carbon support. When heated to 700 °C, the
average size of the Pt nanoparticles only increased from 1.6 to 2.2
nm, while the crystal structure, together with the {111} and {100}
facets, of the Pt nanoparticles was well retained. Our electron microscopy
analyses suggested that the superior resistance against sintering
originated from the Pt–Se interaction. Confirmed by energy-dispersive
X-ray elemental mapping and electron energy loss spectra, the Se atoms
surrounding the Pt nanoparticles could survive the heating. This work
not only offers an understanding of the physics behind the thermal
behavior of this catalytic material but also sheds light on the future
development of sinter-resistant catalytic systems.