The Site-Assembly Determines Catalytic Activity of Nanoparticles

Heterogeneous catalysts are often designed as metal nanoparticles supported on oxide surfaces. Here, the relation between particle morphology and reaction kinetics is investigated by scaling relation kinetic Monte Carlo simulations using CO oxidation over Pt nanoparticles as a model reaction. We find that different particle morphologies result in vastly different catalytic activities. The activity is strongly affected by kinetic couplings between sites, and a wide site distribution generally enhances the activity. The present study highlights the role of site-assemblies as a concept that, in addition to isolated active sites, can be used to understand catalytic reactions over nanoparticles.