Catalyst Characterization

MAUC personnel have experience in characterizing the structure and microchemistry of a wide variety of catalytic materials. We have imaged structures such as five-atom osmium clusters on MgO crystals, tri-rhenium carbonyl clusters on alumina, atoms and clusters of Pt on a variety of oxide supports, and bimetallic nanoparticulates such as Au-Pd, Pd-Zn, Pt-Fe and Pt-Co.

Unique capabilities for relating microstructure to performance including an "ex-situ" reactor for TEM gas reaction studies.

		Typical catalyst "brick" from an automotive catalytic converter

Our research facility offers:

• Suite of instruments for leading-edge microstructural characterization
• Electron holography to identify morphology and structure as they relate to activity and selectrivity
• Unique TEM specimen preparation that preserves relationships between constituents of real catalyst materials
• Opportunities to perform hands-on catalyst research

Low magnification SEM (right) of catalyst brick cross section shows alumina-based wash coat filling corners of channels in the corderite substrate.

High resolution TEMs (below) of precious metal particles on high surface area alumina show changes in catalyst particles with use.

We have experience characterizing emission reduction catalysts:

• Three-way automotive
• Diesel oxidation
• Systems for NOx reduction

industrial catalysts:

• HDS and HDN
• Coal liquifaction
• Alcohol synthesis
• Fischer-Tropsch
• Carbogenic molecular sieves

Partners in nonproprietary catalyst research:

• W. R. Grace
• Ford Motor Co.
• Cummins Engine Co.
• Universal Energy Systems
• University of Delaware
• University of Michigan
• University of New Mexico
• University of Kentucky