Metal-supported ultrathin oxide film systems as designable catalysts and catalyst supports

Thin oxide films lend themselves as model supports for studies in heterogeneous catalysis, for example, to study the growth and reaction of metal deposits (atoms, clusters and nanoparticles). If the thickness of the film is chosen appropriately these thin films are reasonable models to mimic the situation of bulk materials. If thin films below a critical thickness are studied these materials exhibit properties in their own right. Their structural properties may be tuned to control their functional characteristics. Possible implications for heterogeneous catalysis are discussed.