Atomic-layered Au clusters on alpha-MoC as catalysts for the low-temperature water-gas shift reaction

The water-gas shift (WGS) reaction (where carbon monoxide plus water yields dihydrogen and carbon dioxide) is an essential process for hydrogen generation and carbon monoxide removal in various energy-related chemical operations. This equilibrium-limited reaction is favored at a low working temperature. Potential application in fuel cells also requires a WGS catalyst to be highly active, stable, and energy-efficient and to match the working temperature of on-site hydrogen generation and consumption units. We synthesized layered gold (Au) clusters on a molybdenum carbide (alpha-MoC) substrate to create an interfacial catalyst system for the ultralow-temperature WGS reaction. Water was activated over alpha-MoC at 303 kelvin, whereas carbon monoxide adsorbed on adjacent Au sites was apt to react with surface hydroxyl groups formed from water splitting, leading to a high WGS activity at low temperatures.973 Project [2017YFB0602200, 2013CB933100, 2011CB201402]; CAS Pioneer Hundred Talents Program; Natural Science Foundation of China [91645115, 21473003, 21222306, 21373037, 21577013, 91545121]; U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division; Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [DUT15TD49, DUT16ZD224]; DOE [DE-SC0012704]; Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, of the DOE [DE-AC02-05CH11231]; Advanced Light Source Doctoral Fellowship; U.S. National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation program [MRI/DMR-1040229]SCI(E)ARTICLE6349389-+35