ABSTRACT
Heterogeneous catalysis deals with the transformation of molecules at the interface between a solid (the catalyst) and the gaseous or liquid phase carrying these molecules. For catalytic purposes, it is usually necessary to have accurate characterization of the zeolite utilized. This can involve detailed characterization of the initial basic zeolite for composition and purity as well as the actual zeolite that is used catalytically. With a supported metal catalyst it is frequently desirable to be able to determine the exposed metal area in distinction to the total surface area. The sites on the surface with which adsorbate molecules interact have also been identified for many different molecules under mainly static conditions and some of the changes in the properties of the adsorbate molecules have been identified. This information can give increased understanding of the catalytic processes taking place on zeolite catalytic surfaces.
