The atomic-scale structure of a catalyst under reaction conditions determines its activity, selectivity, and stability. Recently it has become clear that essential differences can exist between the behavior of catalysts under industrial conditions (high pressure and temperature) and the ultra)high vacuum conditions of traditional laboratory experiments. Differences in structure, composition,...
Most efficient heterogeneous catalysts used industrially are generally very complex systems. Far away from perfect crystallinity and well-defined oriented surfaces at low coverage, they involve structural disorder, heterogeneous site distribution with variable coordination and structural dependence upon the chemical environment. Unravelling their atomic-scale structures and understanding their...
Catalysts often consist of nano-sized catalyst particles on an support. It has been recognized since long that the role of the support is not only to stabilize the catalytically active particles of particular size, shape and composition, but that they may actively participate in the catalytic reaction. Specific reaction steps may occur completely on the support or at the metal-support...