Anchoring-Directed Structural Evolution of Pt Atoms on Alumina

Abstract Identifying metal anchoring sites and their role in dynamic evolution is an important fundamental problem for catalysis research. For industrially used Al2O3 supports, precisely identifying metal anchoring sites remains challenging due to the intricate, diverse nature of their surface structures. Here, we deposited Pt nanoparticles onto hydroxyl groups (–OH) and lattice oxygen sites on hydroxyl-rich and partially dehydrated alumina. Different from the prevailing report of AlV consumption, AlVI transforms to AlV during Pt deposition on lattice oxygen sites. Moreover, different anchoring sites alter catalytic performance by driving the structural evolution of Pt atoms during hydrogenation. Pt nanoparticles bonded to hydroxyl groups are stable, while those nucleated on lattice oxygen undergo atomic redistribution to form more active sites for aromatic hydrogenation. These insights establish a direct link between initial coordination environment and dynamic behavior, advancing molecular-level understanding of metal–support interactions.