Several techniques are employed to detect and analyze reduced catalytic activity:
Temperature-Programmed Desorption (TPD): Used to study the desorption of molecules from the catalyst surface, providing insights into active site availability. X-ray Diffraction (XRD): Helps in identifying structural changes in the catalyst. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): Offers detailed images of the catalyst's morphology and any agglomeration of particles. Surface Area Analysis: Techniques like BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) analysis measure the surface area of catalysts to detect any reduction due to sintering. Spectroscopic Methods: Techniques such as FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) are used to study surface interactions and identify poisons.
