Chapter 13: Surface-Science Models with Chemical Complexity

A general strategy for surface-science models with chemical complexity based on spin-coating impregnation is outlined. As an example, the preparation of silica-supported vanadium oxide catalysts based on flat Si(100) substrates is discussed. This approach allows for controlled vanadium deposition as demonstrated for loadings between 0.7 and 7.3 V/nm². X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that these surface-science models strongly resemble silica-supported powder catalysts both in their hydrated and dehydrated state. Our results highlight the potential of chemically prepared surface-science models for successfully bridging the materials gap in heterogeneous catalysis.