Nanoscale chemical imaging of a working catalyst by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy

Most industrial processes make use of heterogeneous catalysts, which typically consist of nanometre-sized particles of metal or metal oxide dispersed on a solid support material. Any attempt to unravel how such complex systems function requires detailed information on the morphology and chemical composition of the catalysts during operation. Microspectroscopy methods have now advanced to a stage where this challenge can be tackled. Using a specially designed nanoreactor and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, de Smit et al. have achieved direct imaging of an iron-based Fisher–Tropsch catalyst with nanometre-resolution and reveal how changes in the catalyst correlate with its activity. The same approach could help understand — and improve — other heterogeneous catalysts and important chemical processes occurring at surfaces.