This paper discusses the recent progress in the application of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) in
catalysis. SPM proves to be an invaluable technique for imaging catalytic surfaces and interfaces.
Most SPM research is related to the structural and morphological transformation associated with
catalyst preparation and use. Real-time SPM observation of surface dynamics including adsorption,
diffusion and reaction, provides invaluable insights to the mechanism of catalysis. SPM is also
used to shape and manipulate surfaces and surface processes. Fabrication of nanostructured catalysts,
direct manipulation of adsorbed atoms and molecules and tip-mediated reactions are some
examples of new SPM approach in catalyst research.
Keywords: Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning
Tunnelling Microscopy (STM), Catalysis, Surface, Nanomanipulation.
CONTENTS
1. SPM Observation of Catalytic Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1. Model and Unsupported Catalysts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2. Supported Catalysts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2. Observation of Surface Dynamics using
Scanning Probe Microscopy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.1. Surface Adsorption and Diffusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.2. Surface Reaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.3. Coke Deposition and Poisoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3. Nanomanipulation using Scanning Probe Microscopes . . . . . . . . . 25
3.1. Mechanical Patterning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.2. Probe-induced Chemical Modification of Surfaces. . . . . . . . . 28
3.3. Dip-pen Nanolithography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
3.4. Nanomanipulation of Atoms, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Molecules and Clusters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4. Some Closing Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
References and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36