What Techniques Utilize Fraunhofer Diffraction in Catalysis?
Several analytical techniques leverage Fraunhofer diffraction in the study of catalysts:
1. X-ray Diffraction (XRD): XRD is a powerful tool for identifying the crystalline phases present in a catalyst. By analyzing the diffraction patterns, researchers can determine the crystal structure, lattice parameters, and crystallite size of the material.
2. Electron Diffraction: Techniques such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with electron diffraction allow for high-resolution imaging and structural analysis at the atomic level.
3. Laser Diffraction: This technique is often used for particle size analysis, providing data on the size distribution of catalyst particles, which is critical for understanding their surface area and reactivity.