Identifying the specific deactivation mechanism is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate it. Common analytical techniques include:
- Spectroscopy: Techniques like X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) can provide information on surface composition and chemical states. - Microscopy: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can reveal physical changes like sintering and fouling. - Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA): This can help identify weight changes due to fouling or loss of active components.
