What are the Limitations of Optical Microscopy in Catalysis?
Despite their usefulness, optical microscopes have limitations:
Resolution Limits: Optical microscopes are limited by the wavelength of light, making it difficult to observe features smaller than ~200 nm. Surface vs. Bulk Analysis: They primarily provide information about surface morphology and may not fully represent the bulk structure of catalytic materials. Sample Preparation: Samples often need to be specifically prepared, which might alter their natural state.