In situ TEM for confinement impact of nanocatalysts

Supported metal nanoparticles play key roles in nanoelectronics, sensors, energy storage/conversion, and catalysts for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals.We present in situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) videos with correlating dynamics simulations to reveal the real time dynamic behaviour of Pt nanocatalyst at operation temperatures. Amorphous Pt surface on moving and deforming particles is the working structure during the high operation temperature rather than a static crystal surface and immobilization on supports as proposed before. The porous confinement also blocks the sintering of the particles under the confinement size of pores. Our discovery will promote the rational design of practical nanomaterials with enhanced stability and functionality, for applications in target reactions. This work has been published in Small: DOI:10.1002/smll.201801586