X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy: Soft X-ray Absorption Methods

Probing events that occur in a catalyst under working conditions is a very important scientific topic. In order to identify reaction intermediates and active sites in a catalyst, characterization techniques should be further developed and consequently the design and construction of appropriate in-situ cells and reactor probes are inevitable. Various types of spectroscopy, diffraction methods and scattering techniques can be used to achieve the ultimate goal of determining and understanding quantitative structure/composition-activity/selectivity relationships in catalysis. Such detailed knowledge about the active sites should enable scientists to design - in a rational way - new and efficient catalysts for the sustainable production of bulk and fine chemicals in industrial processes as well as for the removal of harmful compounds from the environment. This book aims to give an overview of the different characterization techniques currently available for performing in-situ studies on catalytic materials. Many case studies illustrate the possibilities and limitations of these techniques. This is a unique book providing a comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in this very important and rapidly expanding field of catalysis.