Mechanism for the water–gas shift reaction on monofunctional platinum and cause of catalyst deactivation

The behavior of monofunctional platinum, Pt(1 1 1), for the water–gas shift reaction has been investigated using experimental and theoretical methods. Kinetic and isotopic measurements performed from 525 to 675 K are consistent with an associative mechanism for the water–gas shift reaction in which carbon monoxide is oxidized by a hydroxyl group. The kinetically-relevant step consists of the unimolecular decomposition of an adsorbed carboxylate intermediate. The turnover frequency of Pt(1 1 1) is five times greater than that observed on Cu(1 1 1) under identical conditions (612 K, 26 Torr CO, 10 Torr H2O); however, Pt(1 1 1) loses activity over time due to the formation of carbonaceous deposits, a process not observed in similar studies of Cu(1 1 1). Our experimental and theoretical results suggest that CO dissociates via two pathways: the Boudouard reaction and through a COH intermediate. Nucleation of carbon at step-edges and subsequent oligomerization deactivate the catalyst. These results provide insight into the synergistic roles of noble metal clusters and active supports for the water–gas shift reaction.