What Information Can Be Obtained from IR Spectroscopy in Catalysis?
IR spectroscopy provides a wealth of information about catalytic processes, such as:
Identification of adsorbed species: By examining the vibrational frequencies, researchers can identify reactants, intermediates, and products adsorbed on the catalyst surface. Active site characterization: IR spectroscopy can reveal the nature of the active sites on the catalyst, such as metal atoms, oxide groups, or acid sites. Reaction mechanisms: By monitoring changes in the IR spectra over time, researchers can deduce the sequence of steps in a catalytic reaction. Adsorption-desorption dynamics: IR spectroscopy can provide information on how molecules adsorb and desorb from the catalyst surface, which is crucial for understanding catalytic activity and selectivity.