Abstract
Atom probe tomography is a well-established analytical instrument for imaging the 3D structure and composition of materials with high mass resolution, sub-nanometer spatial resolution and ppm elemental sensitivity. Thanks to recent hardware developments in Atom Probe Tomography (APT), combined with progress on site-specific focused ion beam (FIB)-based sample preparation methods and improved data treatment software, complex materials can now be routinely investigated. From model samples to complex, usable porous structures, there is currently a growing interest in the analysis of catalytic materials. APT is able to probe the end state of atomic-scale processes, providing information needed to improve the synthesis of catalysts and to unravel structure/composition/reactivity relationships. This review focuses on the study of catalytic materials with increasing complexity (tip-sample, unsupported and supported nanoparticles, powders, self-supported catalysts and zeolites), as well as sample preparation methods developed to obtain suitable specimens for APT experiments.
Highlights
Current trends in designing the size, shape and composition of catalytic nanoparticles to improve their selectivity and efficiency require understanding catalytic processes at the nanoscale
It is important for the interested researcher to note that the analysis of catalytic and electrocatalytic materials by Atom Probe Tomography (APT) is still an emerging field
The examples presented in this review highlight the current and future importance of atom probe tomography for catalysis applications
Summary
Chemical Physics of Materials and Catalysis, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 243, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
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