Visualizing Catalytic Dynamics Processes via Synchrotron Radiation Multitechniques

Abstract

The importance of catalysts today as workhorses in most modern industrial fields cannot be downplayed. As a result, rational design and engineering of targeted catalysts have emerged as key objectives and are dependent on in‐depth understanding of complex catalytic dynamics. Synchrotron radiation (SR) light sources with rich advanced experimental methods are being recognized as a comprehensive characterization platform, which can draw a full picture on such multiparameter‐involved catalysis under actual working conditions. Herein, the recent progress of catalytic dynamics process studied by the means of various SR techniques is summarized. In particular, SR‐based spectroscopic, scattering, and imaging investigations on true catalysts are first introduced with the potential of in situ and operando characterizations. Apparently, the limitations from single SR technique naturally prompt a simple combination of SR techniques to better understand the whole catalysis process. Moreover, the discrepancies among various online testing facilities and batches of samples, along with random/systematic errors introduced by traditional intermittent/asynchronous measurement make it imperative to develop more prolific systems, complementary of multiple SR techniques for deep probing of dynamic catalytic processes. It is believed that the booming new light sources can further enrich the current multiple SR techniques, and thus may realize the true visualization on future catalytic dynamic processes.

The master key: structural science in unlocking functional materials advancements

“…Moreover, Bragg geometry coherent X-ray diffraction imaging (BCDI) permits obtaining the shape of an object as well as the displacements and strains (Robinson & Harder, 2009). Finally, time-resolved BCDI measurements with XFELs provide kinetic information of the internal displacement distribution, with �100 times higher time resolution than synchrotron sources due to their intense and fully transversely coherent X-ray beam (Bergmann et al, 2021;Cao et al, 2023).…”

“…Catalytic processes depend on the interactions between materials and reactants at the atomic level. Synchrotron radiation and XFELs equipped for advanced techniques, such as X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) (Alonso-Mori et al, 2020) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) (Diesen et al, 2021) allow one to probe the electronic structures of materials, offering a better understanding of the mechanisms behind catalytic reactions (Bergmann et al, 2021;Cao et al, 2023). Moreover, Bragg geometry coherent X-ray diffraction imaging (BCDI) permits obtaining the shape of an object as well as the displacements and strains (Robinson & Harder, 2009).…”

In situ/Operando Synchrotron Radiation Analytical Techniques for CO2/CO Reduction Reaction: From Atomic Scales to Mesoscales

“…In the context of a 3d transition metal exemplar, the transition of electrons from 3p to 1s contributes to Kβ 1,3 lines as core-to-core XES. [59,63] This spectroscopic technique exhibits sensitivity to the oxidation states, which is attributed to the screening effect induced by valence electrons. For instance, the dynamic evolution of Cu valence states as a function of increased potential is depicted in the Cu Kβ 1,3 XES.…”

Phase Engineering and Synchrotron-Based Study on Two-Dimensional Energy Nanomaterials

“…Synchrotron-based hard and soft XAS, namely h-XAS and s-XAS, are valuable in analyzing the electronic and structural properties of materials. They provide important insights into the valence states, coordination environments, and degrees of disorder in materials. , The formation of defect structures can cause changes in the atomic arrangement and lead to charge transfer. For example, Xu et al investigated the structural changes in vanadium selenide (VSe 2 ) during cationic intercalation .…”