Active sites on interfacial catalysts form repeatedly by the interaction of the pre-catalysts with the reagents and products under local reaction conditions. The kinetics of these processes is given by the real structure of the catalyst (nanostructure). The dynamics of this repetitive process decides over the “activity” of the catalyst. The uniqueness of the local structure of the high energy sites decides over the path of the reactants through the reaction network of the intended transformation (“selectivity”). <br/> <br/>In this picture it is strategically important to know the material science of the working catalyst that cannot be determined other than through operando experiments. As in many systems the catalyst contains much bulk phase and only a thin termination layer it is mandatory to be surface-sensitive.<br/> <br/>NAP photoemission is one key family of methods besides other techniques that only in combination can give the relevant full picture of the working system. Examples from electro-catalysts and from gas phase processes show that at present the technique is mature enough to be applied as standard tool and should no longer be considered as “icing on the cake” of catalysis development projects.

Material science of interfacial catalysts

ACS Spring 2022

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