Electroless Pb Monolayer Deposition—Prelude for Further Advances in Catalyst Monolayer Synthesis via Surface Limited Redox Replacement Reaction

Abstract

We point out a novel opportunity for catalyst monolayer and core–shell structures synthesis via the surface limited redox replacement (SLRR) reaction. It is enabled by discovery of an electroless Pb monolayer deposition phenomenon whose fundamentals and practical aspects are presented. The particular benefit of this synthesis approach is for metal substrates which are not part of broadly conductive supports such as metal nanoparticles embedded in various oxides or zeolites. Examples of the catalyst monolayer deposition via SLRR of electrolessly deposited Pb monolayer are presented under the auspices of a two-step electroless atomic layer deposition process (e-less ALD). Each cycle of the e-less ALD produces a precise submonolayer amount of catalyst deposit demonstrating its potential for a broad range of applications.

Research Progress and Application of Single-Atom Catalysts: A Review

“…The underpotential deposition method is a surface-limited redox replacement reaction, which refers to the phenomenon that a metal is deposited on another substrate under the condition of a positive thermodynamically reversible potential, forming a deposition layer of atomic thickness [45]. The underpotential deposition (UPD) method can controllably synthesize metal nanocrystals and improve their catalytic performance, and can also modify the surface of metal electrodes at the atomic scale [46].…”

Enhancing Electrocatalytic Synthesis of Glycine with CuPb1ML Electrode Synthesized via Pb UPD

“…However, Brankovic et al . showed that a Pb monolayer can remain stable on a Au substrate electrode under inert conditions [25] . Therefore, to verify the stability of our Pb monolayer, we ran three different measurements.…”

“…[24] However, Brankovic et al showed that a Pb monolayer can remain stable on a Au substrate electrode under inert conditions. [25] Therefore, to verify the stability of our Pb monolayer, we ran three different measurements. First, a stripping CV was performed in a Pb-free solution under inert conditions (Figure 1 -red line, see also detailed description in SI section 3).…”