The effect of well-defined palladium boundaries on the formation of reaction-diffusion patterns during the oxidation of CO on Pt(1 1 0) has been investigated. The Pd boundaries were created by microlithography technique. Reaction-diffusion patterns formed on this surface were observed by photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM). On a multilayer Pd-covered Pt(1 1 0) surface, depending on the partial pressures, Pd areas may act as a reservoir of CO for adjacent Pt regions. Therefore, patterns forming on the bare Pt areas exhibit a pronounced interaction with the artificial Pt/Pd boundaries.

Physica D

Lauterbach, J., Asakura, K., Rasmussen, P. B., Rotermund, H. H., Bür, M., Graham, M. D., … Ertl, G. (1998). Catalysis on mesoscopic composite surfaces: Influence of palladium boundaries on pattern formation during CO oxidation on Pt(110). Physica D, 123, 493–501.