Heterogeneous catalysis is essential to many industrial applications. These catalysts are often comprised of supported nanoparticles, which contain various different surface sites. For some... Show moreHeterogeneous catalysis is essential to many industrial applications. These catalysts are often comprised of supported nanoparticles, which contain various different surface sites. For some reactions, the presence of specific surface sights dominates the overall reactivity. Fundamental insight into the influence of different surface sites on the surface reaction dynamics may lead to better catalyst design in the future. In this thesis, we combine ultra-high vacuum techniques and (curved) single crystal surfaces to study surface structure effects relevant to heterogeneous catalysis. We study how step edges on a platinum surface affect (elementary) reactions that occur in oxygen reduction: hydrogen dissociation, hydrogen recombination, and oxygen reduction. Show less
Heterogeneous catalysis is very important for industrial applications and the environment. It is known that precious metals, such as Pd and Pt, can be good catalyst materials for various reactions.... Show moreHeterogeneous catalysis is very important for industrial applications and the environment. It is known that precious metals, such as Pd and Pt, can be good catalyst materials for various reactions. However, these metals are expensive and their catalytic action is not yet completely understood. In the search for better and cheaper materials, more fundamental knowledge is necessary. We use ultra-high vacuum techniques and well-ordered Pd and Pt single crystals to further investigate the oxygen dissociation process and the interaction of water with deuterated surfaces. Show less
