Tuning the activities of cuprous oxide nanostructures via the oxide-metal interaction

This research investigates the impact of oxide-metal interaction (OMI) on the activity and stability of cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) nanostructures (NSs) supported on different metal substrates (Pt, Ag, Au). The study reveals that Cu₂O/Pt exhibits lower thermal stability but higher catalytic activity for CO oxidation compared to Cu₂O/Ag and Cu₂O/Au. OMI, characterized by the formation energy of interfacial oxygen vacancies and the electronic interaction between Cu⁺ and the metal substrate (quantified by the d-band center), is identified as the key factor determining both activity and stability. The findings provide insights into OMI and offer a strategy for designing Cu-based catalysts for low-temperature oxidation reactions.

Wugen Huang, Qingfei Liu, Zhiwen Zhou, Yangsheng Li, Yunjian Ling, Yong Wang, Yunchuan Tu, Beibei Wang, Xiaohong Zhou, Dehui Deng, Bo Yang, Yong Yang, Zhi Liu, Xinhe Bao, Fan Yang