Catalytic activation of a non-noble intermetallic surface through nanostructuration under hydrogenation conditions revealed by atomistic thermodynamics

International audienceThe unique electronic and crystallographic structure of intermetallics is known to result in excellent catalytic performances for selected chemical reactions. Moreover, owing to the specific bonding network of these compounds, a high structural stability of their surfaces is generally assumed, even under reaction conditions. Transition metal (TM = Fe, Co) aluminides of the Al 13 TM 4 stoi-chiometry have previously demonstrated high activities and selectivities in partial hydrogenation of alkynes and alkadienes. Focusing on the Al 13 Co 4 (100) surface as a model catalyst for butadiene hydrogenation, the hydrogen-rich reaction conditions are predicted-based on DFT calculations and atomistic thermodynamics-to modify the relatively flat surface structure identified under ultra-high vacuum, in the form of highly cohesive clusters emerging from the bulk lattice. Unlike the flat one, this termination presents favorable adsorption properties, able to make it catalytically active and fully selective to butenes. In addition, its contrasted catalytic behavior as compared to that of the reference Al 13 Fe 4 (010) surface-which is more active but less selective-is rationalized in terms of butadiene, butene and hydrogen co-adsorption properties. This work demonstrates that a realistic description of the surface structures under reaction conditions is mandatory to the design of new-generation catalysts based on the complex topology of intermetallic surfaces