Catalyst analysis using synchrotron X-ray microscopy

Abstract

Synchrotron X-ray microscopy techniques have been used to characterize several different types of heterogeneous catalysts. Using a collimator to produce microbeams with a size of less than 10μm, maps of the elemental distributions based on detection of the fluorescent X-rays were made, and computed microtomography (CMT) techniques were applied to produce “ phase/density contrast” maps. CMT techniques were also used to determine the distribution of a specific major element by making measurements above and below the K X-ray absorption edge. The measurements were made using bending magnet radiation and, in one case, radiation from a 4 T superconducting wiggler at the National Synchrotron Light Source. Examples of applications to the study of polyethylene polymerization particles, fluid catalytic cracking catalysts, and hydrotreating catalysts are given.