H2/D2 exchange reaction on mono-disperse Pt clusters: enhanced activity from minute O2 concentrations

The H-2/D-2 exchange reaction was studied on mono-disperse Pt-8 clusters in a mu-reactor. The chemical activity was studied at temperatures varying from room temperature to 180 degrees C using mass spectrometry. It was found that minute amounts of O-2 in the gas stream increased the chemical activity significantly. XPS and ISS before and after reaction suggest little or no sintering during reaction. A reaction pathway is suggested based on DFT. H-2 desorption is identified as the rate- limiting step and O-2 is confirmed as the source of the increased activity. The binding energy of platinum atoms in a SiO2 supported Pt-8 cluster is found to be comparable to the interatomic binding energies of bulk platinum, underlining the stability of the model system.