Model Bimetallic Pd–Ag/HOPG Catalysts: An XPS and STM Study

A series of model bimetallic Pd–Ag catalysts with different ratios of metals and size distributions of supported particles was prepared by successive metal deposition onto a modified surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) were used to characterize the structural and electronic properties, as well as the morphology of nanoparticles at all stages of catalyst preparation. The use of the method made it possible to obtain bimetallic particles with various structures: alloyed, core–shell, and those consisting of individual monometallic particles. The XPS method with synchrotron radiation was used to determine the patterns in the formation of alloyed bimetallic particles, their chemical composition, structure, and the ranges of thermal stability under conditions of ultrahigh vacuum.