Electron Microscopy of Solid Catalysts—Transforming from a Challenge to a Toolbox

Su, Dang Sheng; Zhang, Bingsen; Schlögl, Robert

doi:10.1021/cr500084c

Cited by 220 publications

(172 citation statements)

References 617 publications

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“…Especially electron microscopy has evolved to a true in situ method which can nowadays even be used for catalysts under gas atmospheres and at higher temperatures 12, 85, 86, 87. For this purpose, differentially pumped microscopes or systems making use of special window cells which confine the gas atmosphere are used.…”

Section: Advancing the Characterization Methods: Following Dynamics mentioning

confidence: 99%

Future Challenges in Heterogeneous Catalysis: Understanding Catalysts under Dynamic Reaction Conditions

et al. 2016

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In the future, (electro‐)chemical catalysts will have to be more tolerant towards a varying supply of energy and raw materials. This is mainly due to the fluctuating nature of renewable energies. For example, power‐to‐chemical processes require a shift from steady‐state operation towards operation under dynamic reaction conditions. This brings along a number of demands for the design of both catalysts and reactors, because it is well‐known that the structure of catalysts is very dynamic. However, in‐depth studies of catalysts and catalytic reactors under such transient conditions have only started recently. This requires studies and advances in the fields of 1) operando spectroscopy including time‐resolved methods, 2) theory with predictive quality, 3) kinetic modelling, 4) design of catalysts by appropriate preparation concepts, and 5) novel/modular reactor designs. An intensive exchange between these scientific disciplines will enable a substantial gain of fundamental knowledge which is urgently required. This concept article highlights recent developments, challenges, and future directions for understanding catalysts under dynamic reaction conditions.

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Section: Advancing the Characterization Methods: Following Dynamics mentioning

confidence: 99%

Future Challenges in Heterogeneous Catalysis: Understanding Catalysts under Dynamic Reaction Conditions

et al. 2016

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“…[13][14][15] Notably, the knowledge gap between nanomaterial synthesis and application lies the precise characterization of these complicated architectures, which provides vital information on the origin of nanostructure formation as well as the structure-performance relationship. [16,17] However, for some 3D nanostructures especially with intricate geometric features, 2D information derived from either TEM or SEM may hardly represent the genuine configurations due to their intrinsic limitations. [16,17] However, for some 3D nanostructures especially with intricate geometric features, 2D information derived from either TEM or SEM may hardly represent the genuine configurations due to their intrinsic limitations.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[16,17] However, for some 3D nanostructures especially with intricate geometric features, 2D information derived from either TEM or SEM may hardly represent the genuine configurations due to their intrinsic limitations. [16,17] However, for some 3D nanostructures especially with intricate geometric features, 2D information derived from either TEM or SEM may hardly represent the genuine configurations due to their intrinsic limitations.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Electron Tomography: A Unique Tool Solving Intricate Hollow Nanostructures

et al. 2018

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Innovations in nanofabrication have expedited advances in hollow-structured nanomaterials with increasing complexity, which, at the same time, set challenges for the precise determination of their intriguing and complicated 3D configurations. Conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis typically yields 2D projections of 3D objects, which in some cases is insufficient to reflect the genuine architectures of these 3D nano-objects, providing misleading information. Advanced analytical approaches such as focused ion beam (FIB) and ultramicrotomy enable the real slicing of nanomaterials, realizing the direct observation of inner structures but with limited spatial discrimination. Electron tomography (ET) is a technique that retrieves spatial information from a series of 2D electron projections at different tilt angles. As a unique and powerful tool kit, this technique has experienced great advances in its application in materials science, resolving the intricate 3D nanostructures. Here, the exceptional capability of the ET technique in the structural, chemical, and quantitative analysis of hollow-structured nanomaterials is discussed in detail. The distinct information derived from ET analysis is highlighted and compared with conventional analysis methods. Along with the advances in microscopy technologies, the state-of-the-art ET technique offers great opportunities and promise in the development of hollow nanomaterials.

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“…SOMC has been an essential tool to bridge the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis [42] since it applies characterization methods used in both molecular and surface science.I nt his Review,w eh ave shown that SOMC can also provide critical information about the possible structure of active sites in key industrial catalysts,which rely on ill-defined isolated metal sites on oxide surfaces. In particular,the major developments in operando spectroscopy, [583] environmental microscopy, [584,585] and solid-Scheme 44. a) Grafting and thermal decomposition of WO 2 (OSi(OtBu) 3 ) 2 (DME) on SiO 2-700 .b )Proposed mechanism of the formation of alkylidene active site. [582] Thanks to many major developments in recent years,i n particular in spectroscopic and microscopic methods complemented by computational modeling,S OMC has reached the maturity to bridge another gap and to help understand and develop industrial catalysts through am ore rational approach.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bridging the Gap between Industrial and Well‐Defined Supported Catalysts

et al. 2018

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Many industrial catalysts contain isolated metal sites on the surface of oxide supports. Although such catalysts have been used in a broad range of processes for more than 40 years, there is often a very limited understanding about the structure of the catalytically active sites. This Review discusses how surface organometallic chemistry (SOMC) engineers surface sites with well-defined structures and provides insight into the nature of the active sites of industrial catalysts; the Review focuses in particular on olefin production and conversion processes.

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Electron Microscopy of Solid Catalysts—Transforming from a Challenge to a Toolbox

Cited by 220 publications

References 617 publications

Future Challenges in Heterogeneous Catalysis: Understanding Catalysts under Dynamic Reaction Conditions

Future Challenges in Heterogeneous Catalysis: Understanding Catalysts under Dynamic Reaction Conditions

Electron Tomography: A Unique Tool Solving Intricate Hollow Nanostructures

Bridging the Gap between Industrial and Well‐Defined Supported Catalysts

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