Sn interaction with the CeO2(1Â 1Â 1) system: Bimetallic bonding and ceria reduction

A tin layer 0.8 nm thick was deposited onto the CeO2(1 1 1) surface by molecular beam deposition at a temperature of 520 K. The interaction of tin with cerium oxide (ceria) was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultra-violet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and resonant photoelectron spectroscopy (RPES). The strong tin-ceria interaction led to the formation of a homogeneous bulk Ce-Sn-O mixed oxide system. The bulk compound formation is accompanied by partial Ce4+ → Ce3+ reduction, observed as a giant 4f resonance enhancement of the Ce3+ species. CeO2 and SnO2 oxides were formed after oxygen treatment at 520 K. The study proved the existence of strong Ce-Sn interaction and charge transfer from Sn to the Ce-O complex that lead to a weakening of the cerium-oxygen bond, and consequently, to the formation of oxygen deficient active sites on the ceria surface. This behavior can be a key for understanding the higher catalytic activity of the SnOx/CeOx mixed oxide catalysts as compared with the individual pure oxides.