Investigation of supported nickel catalysts by X-ray absorption spectrometry and X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation

In a previous paper a study of the supported nickel catalysts based on extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy was presented for analysis of the first coordination shell. The present study evidenced a strong deformation of the local structure of the metal due to its interaction with oxide support. The average particle size, microstrains and probability of faults, the particle size distribution function of supported Ni catalysts were determined by X-ray diffraction method. The method is based on Fourier analysis of experimental X-ray line profile (1 1 1), (2 0 0) and (2 2 0). The global structure is obtained with a fitting method based on the generalized Fermi function facilities for approximation. A chemisorption model was elaborated by correlation of the local and global structure connected with the specific surface areas. The results obtained on supported Ni catalysts which are used in H/D isotopic exchange reactions are reported. Both types of measurements were performed on the Beijing synchrotron radiation facilities. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.