Atomic configurations of Pd atoms in PdAu(111) bimetallic surfaces investigated using the first-principles pseudopotential plane wave approach

Atomic configurations of two or three Pd substituents on the Au(111) surface are investigated using the first-principles pseudopotential plane wave approach. Pd atoms are found to form second neighborhoods on PdAu(111). The Pd-d band becomes narrow and well below the Fermi level, very different from those in a Pd film or bulk Pd. Yet the surface Pd atoms are still active and serve as independent attractive centers towards adsorbates. The special ensembles are important for catalysis applications because of their ability to confine reactants in a small region.