Understanding the fundamental relationships between catalyst activity and structure at the nanoscale will enable the improved design of novel catalytic materials. In-situ or operando environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM) is a powerful technique for the investigation of structure-reactivity relationships in high surface area catalysts under reaction conditions. With modern instruments, atomic resolution imaging and spectroscopy can be carried out in the presence of gas, liquid, light and thermal stimuli [1-5]. The combination of mass spectrometry and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) allow catalytic products to be detected and quantified directly in the electron microscope. Through careful analysis of the ETEM reactor geometry, changes in the kinetics of the catalyst may be correlated with changes in surface structure allowing structure to be correlated with functionality. New developments in monochromated EELS allow the electronic and vibrational structure of nanocatalyst surfaces to be probed [6]. Using the so-called “aloof beam” approach to EELS, radiation damage is controlled which should allow local electronic surface and defect states to be observed and correlated with catalytic properties [7,8]. Recent applications of these novel approaches will be illustrated to elucidate the structure and electronic properties of catalytic nanoparticles surfaces relevant to a variety of energy conversion processes such as water splitting, CO oxidation and reforming. The challenges associated with correlating reaction kinetics with local structure and properties will be discussed and evaluated.

In Situ and operando electron microscopy imaging and spectroscopy of catalysts

253rd National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.