Atomic and Electronic Structure of Pt/TiO₂ Catalysts and Their Relationship to Catalytic Activity

Understanding the nature of the interaction between a metal and support, which is known as the metal–support interaction, in supported metal catalysts is crucial to design catalysts with desired properties. Here, we have developed model Pt/TiO₂ catalysts based on the deposition of colloidal Pt nanoparticles and studied their atomic and electronic structures before and after a postdeposition treatment that induces catalytic activity using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and first-principles calculations. Direct contact between Pt nanoparticles and TiO₂ is realized after the postdeposition treatment, which is accompanied by the formation of a Ti³⁺ state on the TiO₂ surface close to the Pt nanoparticles and a Pt^δ+ state on the Pt nanoparticles. The origin of these two states and their effect on the catalytic properties are discussed. These findings pave the way for a comprehensive understanding of metal–support interactions in supported metal catalysts.