Exploring the role of samarium in the modification of rhodium catalysts through surface science approach

In this paper we review the preparation and reaction properties of ordered SmRh surface alloys and SmOx/Rh(1 0 0) model catalyst which have been systematically investigated by low energy electron diffraction (LEED), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) and temperature desorption spectroscopy (TDS). The growth of Sm on Rh(1 0 0) at room temperature follows the Stranski-Krastanov mode. Thermal treatment of the Sm films on Rh(1 0 0) leads to the formation of ordered SmRh surface alloys. An “inverse” SmOx/Rh(1 0 0) model catalyst is produced under controlled oxidation of the SmRh surface alloy. CO adsorption on the SmRh alloy and SmOx/Rh(1 0 0) surfaces gives rise to five TDS characteristic features originating from different adsorption sites. Both the site blocking of SmOx and the electron transfer between SmOx and Rh substrate significantly affect the CO adsorption. Acetate decomposition on both Rh(1 0 0) and the SmOx/Rh(1 0 0) surfaces are found to undergo two competitive pathways that yields either (i) CO(a) and O(a) or (ii) CO2(g) and H2(g) at high temperature. The reactive desorption of acetic acid on SmOx/Rh(1 0 0) is dramatically different from that on Rh(1 0 0). A rapid decomposition of acetic acid to produce CO(g) and CO2(g) can be observed only on SmOx/Rh(1 0 0), where CO(g) becomes the predominant product at 225 K, indicating a strong promotional effect of SmOx in the selective decomposition of acetate. Finally, we briefly describe the future outlook of research on rare earth oxide/metal model catalysts.