How Does Neutron Scattering Advance Catalysis Research?
Neutron scattering involves bombarding a sample with neutrons and observing how they are scattered by atomic nuclei. This technique is highly effective for probing the structure and dynamics of catalysts at the atomic scale. Neutron diffraction can determine the precise arrangement of atoms in a crystalline catalyst, while neutron spectroscopy can reveal information about vibrational modes and diffusion processes. Neutron scattering is particularly useful for studying light elements like hydrogen, which are often difficult to detect with other techniques.