AFM can provide detailed information about various properties of catalysts, including:
Surface Topography: AFM can map the surface structure of a catalyst, revealing features like nanoparticles and surface roughness. Mechanical Properties: It can measure the hardness and elasticity of catalyst materials, essential for understanding their durability and performance. Chemical Composition: Some advanced AFM techniques can even provide chemical composition data, helping identify active sites on the catalyst surface. Dynamic Processes: AFM can observe changes in the catalyst surface during reactions, offering real-time insights into reaction mechanisms.