Controlling CO adsorption on Pt clusters by dopant-induced charge transfer

Abstract

The study of small clusters, particles composed of only a few atoms, is not only interesting because of their intrinsic physical properties, strongly influenced by quantum confinement and subjected to significant size-to-size variations, but also because clusters are ideal model systems for the investigation of complex chemical reactions. In this article, we describe how doped platinum clusters composed of less than 20 atoms can be used to address questions about physical and chemical processes taking place in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. Combining mass spectrometric experiments with theoretical calculations, the particular role of dopant-induced electronic charge transfers in the interaction of platinum nanoparticles with carbon monoxide molecules is investigated.