Steps, ledges and kinks on the surfaces of platinum nanoparticles of different shapes

TitleSteps, ledges and kinks on the surfaces of platinum nanoparticles of different shapes
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1997
AuthorsWang, ZL, Ahmad, TS, EL-Sayed, MA
JournalSurface science
Volume380
Issue2-3
Pagination302-310
ISBN Number0039-6028
Abstract

Platinum nanoparticles with a high percentage of cubic-, tetrahedral- and octahedral-like shapes, respectively, have been synthesized by a shape-controlling technique that we developed recently [Ahmadi et al., Science 272 (June 1996) 1924]. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is used here to directly image the atomic scale structures of the surfaces of these particles with different shapes. The truncated shapes of these particles are mainly defined by the {100}, {111}, and {110} facets, on which numerous atom-high surface steps, ledges and kinds have been observed. This atomic-scale fine structure of the surfaces of these particles is expected to play a critical role in their catalytic activity and selectivity.

DOI10.1016/S0039-6028(97)05180-7