Ptn-Ov synergistic sites on MoOx/γ-Mo2N heterostructure for low-temperature reverse water-gas shift reaction

Constructing effective synergistic sites between multiple components in supported catalysts is the key to improve catalytic performance. Here the authors utilized the stress of MoO3/gamma-Mo2N structure and the interaction between Pt and support to construct an effective catalytic interface for the low-temperature reverse water-gas shift reaction. In heterogeneous catalysis, the interface between active metal and support plays a key role in catalyzing various reactions. Specially, the synergistic effect between active metals and oxygen vacancies on support can greatly promote catalytic efficiency. However, the construction of high-density metal-vacancy synergistic sites on catalyst surface is very challenging. In this work, isolated Pt atoms are first deposited onto a very thin-layer of MoO3 surface stabilized on gamma-Mo2N. Subsequently, the Pt-MoOx/gamma-Mo2N catalyst, containing abundant Pt cluster-oxygen vacancy (Pt-n-O-v) sites, is in situ constructed. This catalyst exhibits an unmatched activity and excellent stability in the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction at low temperature (300 degrees C). Systematic in situ characterizations illustrate that the MoO3 structure on the gamma-Mo2N surface can be easily reduced into MoOx (2 < x < 3), followed by the creation of sufficient oxygen vacancies. The Pt atoms are bonded with oxygen atoms of MoOx, and stable Pt clusters are formed. These high-density Pt-n-O-v active sites greatly promote the catalytic activity. This strategy of constructing metal-vacancy synergistic sites provides valuable insights for developing efficient supported catalysts.

Automated summary

Constructing effective catalytic interfaces is crucial for improving catalytic performance. In this study, the authors utilized the stress of MoO3/gamma-Mo2N structure and the interaction between Pt and support to construct an effective catalytic interface for the low-temperature reverse water-gas shift reaction. By depositing isolated Pt atoms onto a thin layer of MoO3 surface, followed by reduction into MoOx and formation of Pt clusters, high-density Pt-n-O-v active sites were created, leading to enhanced catalytic activity.