Characterization techniques essential for studying material degradation include:
1. X-ray Diffraction (XRD): To monitor phase changes. 2. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): To observe surface morphology. 3. Temperature-Programmed Reduction/Oxidation (TPR/TPO): To study redox properties. 4. BET Surface Area Analysis: To measure changes in surface area due to sintering.
These techniques provide insights into the degradation mechanisms and help in designing more robust catalysts.