Reactions on inverse model catalyst surfaces: Atomic views by STM

Planar inverse catalyst model systems, i.e. noble metal single crystal surfaces decorated by oxide nanostructures, have been used to visualise surface processes in the STM with atomic level precision. The processes chosen for their prototypical relevance in heterogeneous catalysis systems comprise the oxidation-reduction of surface oxide phases, the effects of the metal-oxide phase boundary in promoting the CO oxidation reaction and the O-2+H-2 water reaction, and the mass transport processes of oxide materials over metal surfaces via the diffusion of oxide clusters.