Supported Metal Catalyst Characterization with User-Friendly Chemisorption Techniques
Chemisorption, the chemical bonding between gas-phase molecules and surface atoms, is the first step in a catalytic reaction on many heterogeneous supported metal catalysts. Chemisorption takes place on small metal crystallites, nanoparticles, or single atoms, which are typically anchored to a high surface area oxide material. These chemisorbed molecules then react with neighboring surface-adsorbed species or with gas-phase molecules to produce reaction products. Characterization of this chemisorption bond reveals intrinsic chemical properties of the supported metal catalyst which directly relate to the rate and product selectivity of the catalytic reaction.
