Zundel-like and Eigen-like hydrated protons on a platinum surface.

The nature of hydrated protons is an important topic in the fundamental study of electrode processes in acidic environment. For example, it is not yet clear whether hydrated protons are formed in the solution or on the electrode surface in the hydrogen evolution reaction on a Pt electrode. Using mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy, we show that hydrogen atoms are converted into hydrated protons directly on a Pt(111) surface coadsorbed with hydrogen and water in ultrahigh vacuum. The hydrated protons are preferentially stabilized as multiply hydrated species (H5 O2 (+) and H7 O3 (+) ) rather than as hydronium (H3 O(+) ) ions. These surface-bound hydrated protons may play an important role in the interconversion between adsorbed hydrogen atoms and solvated protons in solution.