Electroless Pb Monolayer Deposition—Prelude for Further Advances in Catalyst Monolayer Synthesis via Surface Limited Redox Replacement Reaction

We point out a novel opportunity for catalyst monolayer and core–shell structures synthesis via the surface limited redox replacement (SLRR) reaction. It is enabled by discovery of an electroless Pb monolayer deposition phenomenon whose fundamentals and practical aspects are presented. The particular benefit of this synthesis approach is for metal substrates which are not part of broadly conductive supports such as metal nanoparticles embedded in various oxides or zeolites. Examples of the catalyst monolayer deposition via SLRR of electrolessly deposited Pb monolayer are presented under the auspices of a two-step electroless atomic layer deposition process (e-less ALD). Each cycle of the e-less ALD produces a precise submonolayer amount of catalyst deposit demonstrating its potential for a broad range of applications.