Charge polarization at catalytic metal-support junctions : Part B : Theoretical modeling of Kelvin probe force microscopy

Abstract

Existing models for the analysis of Kelvin probe microscopy experiments are extended and used to analyze the experimental electrical potential profiles for a Pt/TiO2 model nanoparticle. The derived model reproduces in detail the Kelvin probe image that reveals a characteristic ring-shaped negative charge zone at the surface around the particle: A planar negative charge zone at the surface of the support extends beyond the diameter of the Pt particle. It is compensated mostly by a planar layer of positive charges in the metal across the interface, and by a smaller number of positive charges at the metal-air interface. These latter charges determine the positive electrical potential of the metal particle, and they are likely responsible for the extent of the metal-support interaction in catalytic reactions.