ABSTRACT
The analytical characterization of heterogeneous catalysts occupies a central position in catalysis research, whether fundamental, applied, or industrial. The various analytical activities are directed toward the overall objective of gaining a detailed chemical and structural picture of the catalysts themselves. The information obtained can be used to develop a better understanding of the function of a catalyst, leading to the formulation of new catalysts and the improvement of existing ones. In industry the results of characterization are often useful for quality management and for control of process economy. Consequently, there are two different approaches to catalyst characterization. One includes all those efforts intended to establish empirical relations between catalyst performance and such parameters as elemental composition and chemical state, particle size and dispersion, etc. The other, more fundamental and academic approach is to determine the catalyst’s surface composition and structure on the atomic scale, preferably under reaction conditions but with a simpli ed catalyst model. The latter studies are often carried out on well-de ned surfaces. To match the overall aim of this book, the emphasis here will be on the characterization of real catalysts and on appropriate models.
