Study of Adsorption and Interaction of H2, O2, and CO on the Surface of Single Gold Nanoparticles and Nickel by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Abstract

Using scanning tunneling microscopy, we have studied the processes of adsorption and interaction of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon monoxide on the surface of gold nanoparticles and nickel that form singleand bicomponent coatings on graphite. On the gold nanoparticles, the interaction of H₂ and CO results in the formation of formyl radicals (HCO•) that get adsorbed on the substrate and are able then to oxidize with oxygen to water and CO₂. Nickel nanoparticles coated with an oxide are reduced after sequential exposure to hydrogen and CO. As is established, on a bicomponent gold–nickel coating, the interaction of hydrogen and carbon monoxide also leads to the formation of adsorbed formyl radicals.