Aiming at a better understanding of metal–support interactions in oxide supported Pt electrocatalysts, we have prepared and characterized planar Pt/TiO2 model catalyst electrodes, which combine high conductivity and direct Pt–TiO2 interactions. These consist of a thin TiO2 film on a glassy carbon (GC) substrate and Pt nanoparticles on top. TiO2 films were deposited via a potential induced sol-gel process and subsequently functionalized by Pt nanoparticles, by electrochemical Pt deposition, by deposition of pre-formed Pt nanoparticles or by photoassisted local reduction of Pt ions. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed for structural and electronic characterization of the model catalyst electrodes, cyclic voltammetry, electrooxidation of pre-adsorbed CO and O2 reduction for evaluating their electrochemical / electrocatalytic properties. The impact of the Pt deposition method, of particle size effects and of metal–support interactions on the electrochemical properties and the catalytic activity / selectivity of these systems is discussed.

The Inside Cover picture shows a Pt/TiO2/GC model electrode developed to mimic the electrochemical/-catalytic activity of a realistic porous Pt/TiO2 catalyst without being affected by electric conductivity (ohmic drop) problems, and the metal–support interactions identified by using XPS and through the electrooxidation of a saturated CO adlayer. More details can be found in the Full Paper by J. Behm and co-workers on page 1553 in Issue 10, 2016 (DOI: 10.1002/celc.201600218).