Electrocatalytic activity of Ru-modified Pt(111) electrodes toward CO oxidation

W.F. Lin, M.S. Zei, M. Eiswirth, G. Ertl, T. Iwasita, W. Vielstich

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225 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The electrochemical deposition of Ru on Pt(111) electrodes has been investigated by electron diffraction, Auger spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry in a closed UHV transfer system. At small coverages Ru formed a monatomic commensurate layer, at higher coverage mostly small islands with a bilayer height were detected. When the Pt was almost completely covered by Ru, three-dimensional clusters developed. The island structure of Ru changed upon electrooxidation of CO, reflecting an enhanced mobility of Ru. Adsorption and electrooxidation of CO have been studied on such Ru-modified Pt(111) electrodes using cyclic voltammetry and in situ FTIR spectroscopy. Compared to the pure metals, the Ru-CO bond is weakened, the Pt-CO bond strengthened on the modified electrodes. The catalytic activity of the Ru/Pt(111) electrode toward CO adlayer oxidation is higher than that of pure Ru and a PtRu alloy (50:50). It is concluded that the electrooxidation of CO takes place preferentially at the Ru islands, while CO adsorbed on Pt migrates to them.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6968-6977
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry B
Volume103
Issue number33
Publication statusPublished - 19 Aug 1999

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