Detection of catalytic deactivation can be achieved through various methods, including:
Activity Tests: Regular monitoring of the catalyst's performance in reacting conditions can indicate deactivation. Physical Characterization: Techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can reveal changes in structure and morphology. Chemical Analysis: Surface analysis techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) can provide insights into chemical composition changes. Thermal Analysis: Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) can be used to detect weight changes due to coking or loss of volatile components.