Application of scanning electron microscopy in catalysis

Abstract

A short survey of various information obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in the investigation of heterogeneous catalysts and nano-structured materials have been presented. The capabilities of SEM analysis and its application in testing catalysts in different fields of heterogeneous catalysis are illustrated. The results encompass the proper way of catalyst preparation, the mechanism of catalyst active sites formation catalysts changes and catalyst degradation during their application in different chemical processes. Presented SEM pictures have been taken on a SEM JOEL ISM 35 over 25 years of studies in the field of heterogeneous catalysis.

Keywords

• Scanning microscopy
• heterogeneous catalysts
• nanostructured catalysts
• texture
• morphology
• active phase formation
• catalyst degradation