Synergistic catalytic sites in platinum-rare earth alloys to modulate competitive activation of multiple reactants for preferential CO oxidation

Intercalation of rare-earth (RE) into Pt offers an option to optimize the electronic structure of Pt-based catalysts by interaction effect, in which the synergistic catalytic sites are of great significance, yet the underpinning mechanism remains elusive. Herein, the introduction of silanol nests enables the alloy formation on the SiO2 surface. The amination modification is disclosed to induce the electron transfer from RE to Pt and weaken the adsorption of CO on electron-rich Pt species. In situ/operando spectroscopic analyses in conjunction with density functional theory calculations demonstrate the electronic couple of Pt atoms and adjacent Ce atoms concurrently achieves the enhancement of CO oxidation and suppression of H2 oxidation. Additionally, CO2 is readily desorbed from the Pt5Ce (111) surface to enhance intrinsic activity and longevity. These findings provide an atomic-level insight into the synergistic catalytic sites on regulating the electronic state of the Pt-RE alloy catalysts toward highly selective oxidation reactions.