CATCHING CATALYSTS IN ACTION USING X-RAYS

To make good catalysts, we need to understand how they work. By nature they are non-uniform on the nanoscale-a mixture of active catalyst material plus promoters and support. If we can identify particular nanoscale combinations that are effective-and those that are not-we can then direct synthesis that creates more effective materials. This concept of "materials by design" is important in developing better materials for many processes.
 
Fischer-Tropsch (FT) catalysts can be used for synthesis of fuels and value-added chemicals useful for industry, with potential to reduce carbon dioxide and sulfur emissions and protect limited fossil fuels. We have used a method to visualize nanoscale chemical changes (transmission X-ray microscopy, with 30-nm resolution) with a custom reactor to follow FT catalysts during synthesis in full reaction conditions ("operando") including temperature (350°C) and pressure (10 bar). We will present structure-performance relationships that provide insight into activity and failure mechanisms in these reactions to improve catalyst effectiveness.

Speaker: Joy Andrews, SLAC