Nanoscale chemical imaging of a working catalyst by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy

Emiel de Smit, Ingmar Swart, J. Fredrik Creemer, Gerard H. Hoveling, Mary K. Gilles, Tolek Tyliszczak, Patricia J. Kooyman, Henny W. Zandbergen, Cynthia Morin, Bert M. Weckhuysen () and Frank M. F. de Groot ()
Additional contact information
Emiel de Smit: Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Sorbonnelaan 16, 3584 CA Utrecht, The Netherlands
Ingmar Swart: Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Sorbonnelaan 16, 3584 CA Utrecht, The Netherlands
J. Fredrik Creemer: DIMES-ECTM, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5053, 2600 GB Delft, The Netherlands
Gerard H. Hoveling: DEMO, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5031, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands
Mary K. Gilles: Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
Tolek Tyliszczak: Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
Patricia J. Kooyman: DelftChemTech and National Centre for High Resolution Electron Microscopy, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan 136, 2628 BL Delft, The Netherlands
Henny W. Zandbergen: Kavli Institute of NanoScience, National Centre for High Resolution Electron Microscopy, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5046, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands
Cynthia Morin: Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Sorbonnelaan 16, 3584 CA Utrecht, The Netherlands
Bert M. Weckhuysen: Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Sorbonnelaan 16, 3584 CA Utrecht, The Netherlands
Frank M. F. de Groot: Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Sorbonnelaan 16, 3584 CA Utrecht, The Netherlands

Nature, 2008, vol. 456, issue 7219, 222-225

Abstract: Nanoscale observations of surface catalysis Most industrial processes make use of heterogeneous catalysts, which typically consist of nanometre-sized particles of metal or metal oxide dispersed on a solid support material. Any attempt to unravel how such complex systems function requires detailed information on the morphology and chemical composition of the catalysts during operation. Microspectroscopy methods have now advanced to a stage where this challenge can be tackled. Using a specially designed nanoreactor and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, de Smit et al. have achieved direct imaging of an iron-based Fisher–Tropsch catalyst with nanometre-resolution and reveal how changes in the catalyst correlate with its activity. The same approach could help understand — and improve — other heterogeneous catalysts and important chemical processes occurring at surfaces.

Date: 2008
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DOI: 10.1038/nature07516

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