Strong metal-support interaction in the system of platinum on quartz glass in a reducing atmosphere

The formation of platinum silicide(s) on heating Pt/SiO sub 2 at 823K in H sub 2 at 10 exp --2 -10 exp --3 Pa is experimentally confirmed. The particle size parameters of the Pt film on the SiO sub 2 glass substrate after the treatment are given with accompanying electron micrographs. Electron diffraction rings provide direct evidence of the interaction between Pt and SiO sub 2 , attributed to Pt sub 2 Si and Pt sub 3 Si. It is postulated that the reduction involves atomic hydrogen, the adsorption of which is facilitated by the porous nature of the SiO sub 2 surface. 6 ref.--G.A.S.