Multifrequential
oscillating spatiotemporal patterns in the catalytic
hydrogen oxidation on rhodium have been observed in situ in the 10–6 mbar pressure range using photoemission electron
microscopy. The effect is manifested by periodic chemical waves, which
travel over the polycrystalline Rh surface and change their oscillation
frequency while crossing boundaries between different Rh(hkl) domains. Each crystallographically specific μm-sized Rh(hkl) domain exhibits an individual wave pattern and oscillation
frequency, despite the global diffusional coupling of the surface
reaction, altogether creating a structure library. This unique reaction
behavior is attributed to the ability of stepped surfaces of high-Miller-index
domains to facilitate the formation of subsurface oxygen, serving
as a feedback mechanism of kinetic oscillations. Formation of a network
of subsurface oxygen as a result of colliding reaction fronts was
observed in situ. Microkinetic model analysis was used to rationalize
the observed effects and to reveal the relation between the barriers
for surface oxidation and oscillation frequency. Structural limits
of the oscillations, the existence range of oscillations, as well
as the effect of varying hydrogen pressure are demonstrated.