Conversion of heterogeneous catalysis from art to science: the surface science of heterogeneous catalysis

Direct combination of high pressure reaction studies with molecular level surface characterization of model catalysts has made possible the development of concepts to describe and to explain phenomena that occur during heterogeneous catalysis. These phenomena include structure sensitivity, surface reconstruction, inert chemisorbed overlayers present under reaction conditions, and interaction between the metal and the oxide support. The catalytic behavior of model systems and the roles of their different components have been investigated and explained in terms of some of these concepts. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.