Several techniques are employed to monitor structural changes in catalysts. These include:
X-ray Diffraction (XRD) XRD is used to analyze the crystalline structure of catalysts, providing information about phase changes and particle sizes.
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) TEM offers high-resolution images of catalyst particles, allowing for the observation of morphological changes and the identification of sintering effects.
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) XPS is used to study the surface chemistry of catalysts, providing insights into the oxidation states and elemental composition, which are crucial for understanding surface restructuring.
Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) IR spectroscopy helps identify functional groups and monitor changes in the chemical environment of the catalyst surface during a reaction.