Pt nanoparticles dispersed on γ-alumina is one of the most widely used heterogeneous catalysis systems used in commercial chemical and energy industries, including petroleum refining [1]and, hence, has been investigated extensively as a model catalyst system to elucidate structure-catalytic activity and selectivity relationships. Our specific research interest is to understand γ-Al 2 O 3 support affects on the structure and chemistry of the Pt catalyst. Several recent researchers reported that the support determines the structure of the metal catalysts, including size, uniformity and 3-dimensional morphology. For example, recent theoretical simulations revealed that defects in the γ-Al 2 O 3 stabilize the Pt nanoparticles. These simulations are conducted on ideal single crystal γ-Al 2 O 3 , whereas commercial γ-Al 2 O 3 is polycrystalline, irregular in shape, and contains impurities (Fig. 1). In order to directly link experiments with theory necessitates the creation of a well-defined, single crystal gamma alumina film. Oxide terraces can be obtained and used as support for metal clusters in model catalytic systems [2]. Previous investigators demonstrated that epitaxial γ-Al 2 O 3 thin film forms on single crystal β-NiAl by oxidation [3], Fig.1b.In this research, NiAl alloys are used to grow ultrathin γ-Al 2 O 3 layers under well-controlled oxidation conditions. Morphology becomes flatter but more discontinuous during temperature decreasing. Here, we present our results of the oxidation of β-NiAl(110) as a function of oxidation temperature (750-950°C), time and air flow. The oxide films were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Plan-view TEM samples were prepared by scratching the oxide off of the surface and placed onto a holey C grid. Fig. 2 and 3 are the TEM results after NiAl was oxidized for 1 hr at 950 and 850 , respectively. The selected area electron diffraction pattern (SAED) confirmed that the oxide is γ-Al 2 O 3 , not another phase of alumina (e.g. theta, delta, alpha). The XRD results confirm that epitaxial (111) γ-Al 2 O 3 plane grows on (110)NiAl substrates (Fig.4). The surface morphology of the oxide films has been examined by SEM (Fig.5). With decreasing temperature, the morphology of the γ-Al 2 O 3 film has become flatter but more discontinuous. The transformation kinetics is accelerated with higher air flowrate. A peculiar ridge network morphology is created which is believed to be a vestige of high diffusivity paths of oxides growth.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.