Chapter 11 - In-situ Surface X-ray Scattering and Infrared Reflection Adsorption Spectroscopy of CO Chemisorption at the Electrochemical Interface

Abstract

This chapter discusses the in-situ surface x-ray scattering and infrared reflectionadsorption spectroscopy of carbon monoxide (CO) chemisorption at the electrochemical interface. CO adsorption is of supreme interest for various reasons, including the search for CO tolerant catalysts. The best CO-tolerant catalysts are created by alloying Pt with an ad-metal. Simultaneously, it is capable of activating water at more negative potentials than Pt. The adsorption and electrooxidation of CO on Pt and Pt bimetallic surfaces has occupied a special place in surface electrochemistry. Results for CO adsorption at the electrochemical interface can be described by using a combination of rotating disk electrode (RDE) electrochemical measurements and in-situ surface x-ray scattering (SXS) for structure determination. A large array of experimental techniques has been developed to probe the behavior of the CO oxidation reaction. The RDE technique has become a standard tool in determining kinetics, reaction products, and potential-dependent surface coverage by adsorbates on Pt and Au single crystal surfaces..