Characterization of Pt/SiO2 Model Catalysts at UHV and Near Atmospheric Pressures

Pt/SiO2 model catalyst samples, prepared under UHV conditions in a contiguous high pressure reactor cell surface analysis chamber, have been characterized via CO oxidation reaction kinetics under elevated pressure conditions (approaching 1 atm). Reaction kinetics are studied as a function of Pt coverage (theta (Pt) = 1-10 mL), along with measurements on a Pt(110) single crystal for direct comparison. CO desorption measurements and STM measurements on Pt/SiO2 films at T = 300 K have been obtained at various theta (Pt). Kinetic results show agreement between observations on single crystal and catalyst samples, and general agreement and correlation is obtained for site calculations across the various methods. Results demonstrate the utility of well characterized model catalyst samples in obtaining qualitative and quantitative reactivity data at elevated pressures.