Atomic scale characterization of the Pt/TiO2 interface

We present results from an investigation of the Pt/TiO2 catalyst system using a combination of Z-contrast imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) in the scanning transmission electron microscope. Evidence of a strong interaction between the Pt particles and the support is found to be dependent on the Pt cluster size, being manifested either as an encapsulation of the Pt particles by the support or a distortion of the structure of the Pt particles. In the case of clusters that are only a few atoms in size, we show direct evidence of an epitaxial nucleation relationship between Pt and Titania. The results also show unexpectedly that Pt particles exhibit a preferential nucleation on rutile rather than anatase.