Capturing Catalyst Strain Dynamics during Operando CO Oxidation

Abstract

Understanding the strain dynamic behavior of catalysts is crucial for the development of cost-effective, efficient, stable, and long-lasting catalysts. Using time-resolved Bragg coherent diffraction imaging at the fourth generation Extremely Brilliant Source of the European Synchrotron (ESRF-EBS), we achieved subsecond time resolution during operando chemical reactions. Upon investigation of Pt nanoparticles during CO oxidation, the three-dimensional strain profile highlights significant changes in the surface and subsurface regions, where localized strain is probed along the [111] direction. Notably, a rapid increase in tensile strain was observed at the top and bottom Pt {111} facets during CO adsorption. Moreover, we detected oscillatory strain changes (6.4 s period) linked to CO adsorption during oxidation, where a time resolution of 0.25 s was achieved. This approach allows for the study of adsorption dynamics of catalytic nanomaterials at the single-particle level under operando conditions, which provides insight into nanoscale catalytic mechanisms.