Periodically arranged, monodisperse gold nanoparticles supported on flat silicon substrates were studied for the hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene under operando conditions using Grazing Incidence Small- and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (GISAXS/GIWAXS). It was found that the composition and shape of the nanoparticles depends very much on the chemical environment; the particles are shown to be dynamic, undergoing reversible size and shape change particularly during catalytic reaction, highlighting a dynamism often not observed in traditional studies. Specifically, the size of the Au nanoparticles increases during butadiene hydrogenation and this is attributed to the partial removal of a Au2O3 at the metal–oxide interface and consequential shape change of the nanoparticle from a more hemispherical particle to a particle with a larger height to width ratio.

•Imidazolium-based molecules direct the formation of interconnected 10-ring topologies.•Pure phase zeolitic structures (MFI, TON and *MRE) can be easily synthesized.•Effective phase control can be achieved by minor changes to the synthesis parameters.•Si source, H2O content and mineralizer influence phase selectivity.•Temperature/time and cation of the ionic liquid affect the degree of crystallinity.By using asymmetric di-substituted imidazolium molecules (1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium (BMIM) and 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium (EMIM) bromide) as the structure directing agents, in combination with simple changes in silica source or sodium/water content it is possible to prepare three pure phase microporous 10-ring siliceous zeolitic structures. The crystallizations are comparatively rapid with fully crystalline material resulting in 1–3 days at 443 K. In contrast to many recipes reported for pure silica materials, the synthesis is performed without the use of HF or without the need to alter the properties of the SDA, while significantly lower amounts of both ionic liquid and mineralizing agent are required. The results obtained indicate that effective phase control can be achieved from a primary gel composition by minor changes to either the silica source or the water/sodium content, with a strong specificity in the formation of topologies with interconnected 10-rings.Download high-res image (297KB)Download full-size image

Here we present the results of a synchrotron-based in situ, time-resolved PXRD study during activation of two Cu-SSZ-13 catalysts under O2/He and one during standard NH3-SCR reaction conditions to obtain insight into the behaviour of Cu ions. The results obtained indicate that deNOx activity is inexorably linked with occupancy of the zeolite 6r.

This review aims to critically assess the use of X-ray techniques, both of a scattering (e.g. X-ray diffraction (XRD), pair distribution function (PDF)) and spectroscopic nature (X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAFS)), in the study of cobalt-based Fisher–Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) catalysts. In particular, the review will focus on how these techniques have been successfully used to describe the salient characteristics of these catalysts that govern subsequent activity and selectivity, as well as to afford insight into deactivation phenomena that have seemingly stifled their application. We discuss how these X-ray-based techniques have been used to yield insight into the bulk structure, the catalyst surface, oxidation states, local (cobalt) geometry, and elemental composition of particles, primarily from a 1D perspective but we also highlight how, with recent developments in advanced X-ray characterisation methods, crucial information can now be obtained in 2D and 3D. The examples chosen focus on data acquired in situ/operando, under realistic operating conditions and during activation which often allow for obtaining a more relevant perspective on the changes in catalyst structure that accompany a change in catalyst performance. We conclude with a perspective on some of the challenges that beset the Co-based FTS technology and discuss how X-ray based techniques could be used to solve them.

We report the results from an operando XRD-CT study of a working catalytic membrane reactor for the oxidative coupling of methane. These results reveal the importance of the evolving solid state chemistry during catalytic reaction, particularly the chemical interaction between the catalyst and the oxygen transport membrane.

The physicochemical state of a catalyst is a key factor in determining both activity and selectivity; however these materials are often not structurally or compositionally homogeneous. Here we report on the 3-dimensional imaging of an industrial catalyst, Mo-promoted colloidal Pt supported on carbon. The distribution of both the active Pt species and Mo promoter have been mapped over a single particle of catalyst using microfocus X-ray fluorescence computed tomography. X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure revealed a mixed local coordination environment, including the presence of both metallic Pt clusters and Pt chloride species, but also no direct interaction between the catalyst and Mo promoter. We also report on the benefits of scanning μ-XANES computed tomography for chemical imaging, allowing for 2- and 3-dimensional mapping of the local electronic and geometric environment, in this instance for both the Pt catalyst and Mo promoter throughout the catalyst particle.

Ammonia-selective catalytic reduction (NH3-SCR) using Cu zeolites is a well-established strategy for the abatement of NOx gases. Recent studies have demonstrated that Cu is particularly active when exchanged into the SSZ-13 zeolite, and its location in either the 6r or 8r renders it an excellent model system for fundamental studies. In this work, we examine the interaction of NH3-SCR relevant gases (NO and NH3) with the Cu2+ centers within the SSZ-13 structure, coupling powder diffraction (PD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAFS), and density functional theory (DFT). This combined approach revealed that, upon calcination, cooling and gas exposure Cu ions tend to locate in the 8r window. After NO introduction, Cu ions are seen to coordinate to two framework oxygens and one NO molecule, resulting in a bent Cu–nitrosyl complex with a Cu–N–O bond angle of ∼150°. Whilst Cu seems to be partially reduced/changed in coordination state, NO is partially oxidized. On exposure to NH3 while the PD data suggest the Cu2+ ion occupies a similar position, simulation and XAFS pointed toward the formation of a Jahn–Teller distorted hexaamine complex [Cu(NH3)6]2+ in the center of the cha cage. These results have important implications in terms of uptake and storage of these reactive gases and potentially for the mechanisms involved in the NH3-SCR process.

•The development of diffraction imaging methods for materials characterisation is reviewed.•Illustrative examples show the breadth of the techniques application from inception to final use.•Future perspectives detail how these techniques can revolutionise materials research.In recent times there has been much progress in the imaging of functional materials under the process conditions typically used in a real industrial process. In this article the progress made in diffraction imaging in terms of both acquisition methodology (i.e. using white beam or monochromatic sources, tomography or imaging) and their application to tackle real problems in the field of industrial heterogeneous catalysis are discussed. The exemplar studies also illustrate the recent developments in sample environment that, when considered alongside the developments in diffraction imaging, allows us to propose that the information extracted from these studies are far more inclusive (conclusive?) in terms of the type (including physicochemical insight) and amount of information they yield. With the current and protracted developments in source, infrastructure, detector and software technologies it is not unreasonable to assume that such approaches will supersede the more traditional ‘single point’ in situ methods for studying industrial processes. Diffraction imaging methods in their various guises may also eventually replace the established technique of X-ray Absorption μ-CT currently applied intensively across research and diagnostic fields including biomaterials, geology, environmental science, palaeontology, cultural heritage and health.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (73 K)Download as PowerPoint slide

•Effects of Sulfur poisoning on water–gas shift activity of Cu/ZnO catalyst bodies investigated.•XRD, EXAFS, and XRF imaging revealed the presence of sulfur-containing crystalline phases.•Active Cu/ZnO component shrinks with increasing [H2S] reducing water–gas shift activity.•Migration of Cu in the form of CuS and toward the sample periphery also occurs.The effects of sulfur poisoning on the water–gas shift (WGS) activity of industrial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst bodies have been studied. The samples were characterized using chemical imaging methods, including XRD-CT, XAFS mapping, and XRF, in order to understand the process by which accelerated sulfur poisoning leads to catalyst deactivation. After ∼90 h on stream, all catalysts exhibited reduced activity; the higher the H2S concentration, the greater the extent of deactivation. Non-invasive XRD-CT measurements performed on intact samples recovered from the reactor revealed the formation of sulfide phases, including sphalerite (β-ZnS) and crystalline CuS, Cu2S, and CuSO4 phases. These sulfide phases were distributed predominantly as a graduated corona around the sample edge reaching ∼1.5 mm thick for experiments performed in the highest concentration of 500 ppm H2S. XAFS mapping, which is particularly sensitive to the local coordination environment around the element being probed, confirmed the presence of mixed Cu/Zn–O/S coordination environments and that the core of the sample remained sulfur-free. A combination of XRD-CT and XRF revealed that CuS appeared to be mobile under reaction conditions resulting in the redistribution of Cu toward the very edge of the samples. A combination of techniques has therefore demonstrated that H2S deactivation of Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst bodies occurs via phase transformation of the active Cu/ZnO phase into sulfides and redistribution of these components over the sample instead of Cu active site poisoning by Sads species.Graphical abstractDownload high-res image (56KB)Download full-size image

The physicochemical state of a catalyst is a key factor in determining both activity and selectivity; however these materials are often not structurally or compositionally homogeneous. Here we report on the 3-dimensional imaging of an industrial catalyst, Mo-promoted colloidal Pt supported on carbon. The distribution of both the active Pt species and Mo promoter have been mapped over a single particle of catalyst using microfocus X-ray fluorescence computed tomography. X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure revealed a mixed local coordination environment, including the presence of both metallic Pt clusters and Pt chloride species, but also no direct interaction between the catalyst and Mo promoter. We also report on the benefits of scanning μ-XANES computed tomography for chemical imaging, allowing for 2- and 3-dimensional mapping of the local electronic and geometric environment, in this instance for both the Pt catalyst and Mo promoter throughout the catalyst particle.

This review aims to critically assess the use of X-ray techniques, both of a scattering (e.g. X-ray diffraction (XRD), pair distribution function (PDF)) and spectroscopic nature (X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAFS)), in the study of cobalt-based Fisher–Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) catalysts. In particular, the review will focus on how these techniques have been successfully used to describe the salient characteristics of these catalysts that govern subsequent activity and selectivity, as well as to afford insight into deactivation phenomena that have seemingly stifled their application. We discuss how these X-ray-based techniques have been used to yield insight into the bulk structure, the catalyst surface, oxidation states, local (cobalt) geometry, and elemental composition of particles, primarily from a 1D perspective but we also highlight how, with recent developments in advanced X-ray characterisation methods, crucial information can now be obtained in 2D and 3D. The examples chosen focus on data acquired in situ/operando, under realistic operating conditions and during activation which often allow for obtaining a more relevant perspective on the changes in catalyst structure that accompany a change in catalyst performance. We conclude with a perspective on some of the challenges that beset the Co-based FTS technology and discuss how X-ray based techniques could be used to solve them.

We report the results from an operando XRD-CT study of a working catalytic membrane reactor for the oxidative coupling of methane. These results reveal the importance of the evolving solid state chemistry during catalytic reaction, particularly the chemical interaction between the catalyst and the oxygen transport membrane.

Periodically arranged, monodisperse gold nanoparticles supported on flat silicon substrates were studied for the hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene under operando conditions using Grazing Incidence Small- and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (GISAXS/GIWAXS). It was found that the composition and shape of the nanoparticles depends very much on the chemical environment; the particles are shown to be dynamic, undergoing reversible size and shape change particularly during catalytic reaction, highlighting a dynamism often not observed in traditional studies. Specifically, the size of the Au nanoparticles increases during butadiene hydrogenation and this is attributed to the partial removal of a Au2O3 at the metal–oxide interface and consequential shape change of the nanoparticle from a more hemispherical particle to a particle with a larger height to width ratio.

Here we present the results of a synchrotron-based in situ, time-resolved PXRD study during activation of two Cu-SSZ-13 catalysts under O2/He and one during standard NH3-SCR reaction conditions to obtain insight into the behaviour of Cu ions. The results obtained indicate that deNOx activity is inexorably linked with occupancy of the zeolite 6r.