Understanding practical catalysts using a surface science approach: The importance of strong interaction between BaO and Al2O3 in NOx storage materials

The interaction of NO2 with BaO/Al2O3/NiAl(110) model NOx storage materials was investigated at BaO coverages corresponding, to practical systems. The results obtained from these model systems show excellent correlation with those of practical systems. We found a specific, strong interaction between BaO and Al2O3, and this interaction profoundly influences the NOx, chemistry. BaO readily forms a Ba-aluminate-like surface phase, and upon the interaction with NOx, Ba ions are pulled out from this surface layer to form Ba(NO3)(2) clustersclose313