Publication
Strong Metal–Support Interaction for 2D Materials: Application in Noble Metal/TiB2 Heterointerfaces and their Enhanced Catalytic Performance for Formic Acid Dehydrogenation
Publisher:
Wiley
Date:
03-07-2021
DOI:
10.1002/ADMA.202101536
Abstract: Strong metal–support interaction (SMSI) is a phenomenon commonly observed on heterogeneous catalysts. Here, direct evidence of SMSI between noble metal and 2D TiB 2 supports is reported. The temperature‐induced TiB 2 overlayers encapsulate the metal nanoparticles, resulting in core–shell nanostructures that are sintering‐resistant with metal loadings as high as 12.0 wt%. The TiO x ‐terminated TiB 2 surfaces are the active sites catalyzing the dehydrogenation of formic acid at room temperature. In contrast to the trade‐off between stability and activity in conventional SMSI, TiB 2 ‐based SMSI promotes catalytic activity and stability simultaneously. By optimizing the thickness and coverage of the overlayer, the Pt/TiB 2 catalyst displays an outstanding hydrogen productivity of 13.8 mmol g −1 cat h −1 in 10.0 m aqueous solution without any additive or pH adjustment, with .9% selectivity toward CO 2 and H 2 . Theoretical studies suggest that the TiB 2 overlayers are stabilized on different transition metals through an interplay between covalent and electrostatic interactions. Furthermore, the computationally determined trends in metal–TiB 2 interactions are fully consistent with the experimental observations regarding the extent of SMSI on different transition metals. The present research introduces a new means to create thermally stable and catalytically active metal/support interfaces for scalable chemical and energy applications.