Elemental sensitivity is studied using a variety of techniques:
Experimental Methods: Techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) are used to characterize catalysts and understand how different elements affect their properties. Computational Modeling: Computational methods, including density functional theory (DFT) calculations, help predict how different elements will influence catalytic performance. These models can guide the design of new catalysts before experimental validation. Reactivity Tests: By performing catalytic tests with different elemental compositions, researchers can directly observe the impact of specific elements on reaction outcomes.