Nanometer size platinum particle arrays: Catalytic and surface chemical properties

A new type of spatially controlled model catalyst was prepared by electron beam lithography. The catalyst consisted of a square array of disc shaped platinum particles 50 nm in diameter and spaced at 200 nm on an oxidized silicon wafer. The catalyst was cleaned of surface contaminants by low energy neon ion sputtering without adversely altering the characteristics of the array. Catalytic activity was confirmed by performing ethylene hydrogenation at high pressure. Evidence of deuterium spillover was seen by thermal desorption experiments.