Probing Interfacial Electronic and Catalytic Properties on Well-Defined Surfaces by Using InSitu Raman Spectroscopy

Heterogeneous metal interfaces play a key role in determining the mechanism and performance of catalysts. However, insitu characterization of such interfaces at the molecular level is challenging. Herein, two model interfaces, Pd and Pt overlayers on Au single crystals, were constructed. The electronic structures of these interfaces as well as effects of crystallographic orientation on them were analyzed by shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) using phenyl isocyanide (PIC) as a probe molecule. A clear red shift in the frequency of the CN stretch ((NC)) was observed, which is consistent with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data and indicates that the ultrathin Pt and Pd layers donate their free electrons to the Au substrates. Furthermore, insitu electrochemical SHINERS studies showed that the electronic effects weaken Pt-C/Pd-C bonds, leading to improved surface activity towards CO electrooxidation.