Using X-ray microscopy, chemists at Utrecht University (The Netherlands) have investigated a working nanoscale catalyst. This new method could increase the efficiency of industrial chemical reactions. Nearly every chemical reaction involves a catalyst – from the production of fat for deep-frying to the conversion of exhaust gases. The results will be published in the 13 November edition of the leading scientific journal Nature. The investigation was conducted in collaboration with the Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands) and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (USA).
Catalysts accelerate chemical reactions without themselves being used in the process. This is why they have been used in industry for decades. However, most catalysts are discovered by a process of trial and error. Major catalyst improvements become possible if the nature of the catalyst active site is visualised at the nanometer scale under working conditions. This is not possible with optical and electron microscopes.
Image clarity
In order to solve this problem, the researchers examined the catalysts using X-rays, which produced images of exacting clarity. This enabled them to see chemical state of the individual particles in a working catalyst, which sometimes measure only a few nanometres. The researchers believe the X-ray microscope used may make other nanolevel processes visible, such as hydrogen storage and the distribution of medical nanoparticles in living cells.
Article
Nanoscale chemical imaging of a working catalyst by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, Emiel de Smit, et al., Nature, 456 (2008), 222-225 (13 November 2008)
More information
Dr. Frank de Groot, Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Utrecht University, +31 (0)30 253 6763, F.M.F.deGroot@uu.nl
Prof. Bert Weckhuysen, Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, Utrecht University, +31 (0)30 253 4328, B.M.Weckhuysen@uu.nl
If there is no response, please contact Roy Keeris, Utrecht University Press Office, +31 (0)30 253 2411, R.B.Keeris@uu.nl