In Situ Observation of Reaction-Intermediate-Mediated Dynamic Evolution of Step Sites on Au(200) Surface.
Uncover the dynamic dance of catalytic sites! In situ TEM reveals how reaction intermediates trigger the migration and reconstruction of step edges on Au(200), reshaping the active surface for enhanced performance. A catalyst's true potential lies in its ever-evolving structure.
This study employed in situ gas-phase transmission electron microscopy to observe the dynamic evolution of step sites on a nanoporous Au(200) surface during methane pyrolysis. The results showed that the step structure underwent continuous disappearance and reconstruction, mediated by adsorbed carbon species that weakened the interactions between Au atoms, promoting their migration and release. First-principles calculations provided mechanistic insights into this process. These findings offer a deeper understanding of how reaction intermediates can induce structural changes in catalytic active sites, guiding the design of next-generation high-efficiency catalysts.