X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as a tool for in-situ study of the mechanisms of heterogeneous catalytic reactions

An ESCALAB High Pressure photoelectron spectrometer specially designed by Vacuum Generators Co. (UK) for in-situ measurements at high pressures has been modified for adsorption and catalytic experiments. New construction of a gas cell, which serves to create a high-pressure zone, allows us to measure photoemission spectra in-situ at pressures up to 0.2–0.5 mbar and to use a sample holder with independent heating of a sample. This makes it possible to measure temperature programmed desorption and reaction spectra and, as a consequence, to characterize the catalytic properties simultaneously with the acquisition of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data. Capabilities of the modified spectrometer are demonstrated by the examples of studies of CO and methanol adsorption on Pd(111) single crystal and methanol oxidation over Cupoly.