Two-dimensional crystalline platinum oxide

J Cai and LY Wei and J Liu and CW Xue and ZX Chen and YX Hu and YJ Zang and MX Wang and WJ Shi and T Qin and H Zhang and LW Chen and X Liu and MG Willinger and PJ Hu and KH Liu and B Yang and ZK Liu and Z Liu and ZJ Wang, NATURE MATERIALS, 23 (2024).

DOI: 10.1038/s41563-024-02002-y

Platinum (Pt) oxides are vital catalysts in numerous reactions, but research indicates that they decompose at high temperatures, limiting their use in high-temperature applications. In this study, we identify a two-dimensional (2D) crystalline Pt oxide with remarkable thermal stability (1,200 K under nitrogen dioxide) using a suite of in situ methods. This 2D Pt oxide, characterized by a honeycomb lattice of Pt atoms encased between dual oxygen layers forming a six-pointed star structure, exhibits minimized in-plane stress and enhanced vertical bonding due to its unique structure, as revealed by theoretical simulations. These features contribute to its high thermal stability. Multiscale in situ observations trace the formation of this 2D Pt oxide from alpha-PtO2, providing insights into its formation mechanism from the atomic to the millimetre scale. This 2D Pt oxide with outstanding thermal stability and distinct surface electronic structure subverts the previously held notion that Pt oxides do not exist at high temperatures and can also present unique catalytic capabilities. This work expands our understanding of Pt oxidation species and sheds light on the oxidative and catalytic behaviours of Pt oxide in high-temperature settings. Pt oxides are essential catalysts in many critical reactions, but are typically unstable and prone to evaporation above 700 K. A two- dimensional layered Pt oxide with exceptional thermal stability is introduced, capable of surviving at high temperatures.

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