What Techniques are Used for Achieving High Spatial Resolution?
Several advanced techniques are employed to achieve high spatial resolution in catalysis:
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM): Provides atomic-level images of the catalyst surface, allowing for the observation of individual atoms and their arrangements. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM): Similar to STM but can be used on non-conductive surfaces, providing topographical maps with nanometer resolution. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): Offers high-resolution images of the internal structure of catalysts, including nanoparticle size and distribution. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): Provides detailed images of the surface morphology and can be used in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for elemental analysis. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS): Allows for the surface chemical composition analysis with a spatial resolution down to a few nanometers.
