Observation of adsorbed hydrogen species on supported metal catalysts by inelastic neutron scattering

Yoshida, Hisao*; Yamamoto, Akira*; Hosokawa, Saburo*; Yamazoe, Seiji*; Kikkawa, Soichi*; Hara, Kenji*; Nakamura, Mitsutaka   ; Kamazawa, Kazuya*; Tanaka, Tsunehiro*

Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) enables direct and selective observation of H species due to the extremely large incoherent neutron scattering cross section of a hydrogen atom. In the present study, the adsorbed H species on some heterogeneous precious metal catalysts supported by alumina and carbon black were investigated by in situ INS spectroscopy with a newly designed sample cell. Three alumina-supported metal catalysts having Pt, Pd, and Rh metal nanoparticles with different particle sizes exhibited different INS spectra in intensities and band distribution. Observation of the H species on the metal nanoparticles and the alumina surface revealed their properties. In addition, the H atoms stored in Pd nanoparticles were observed as palladium hydride. In contrast, the H species on a Pt catalyst supported by carbon black were found to be strongly adsorbed on the carbon support.