Characterising carbon deposited during pyrolysis gasoline hydrogenation: enhanced TPO methodologies

In this paper, the use of temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO) is highlighted as a means of interrogating the surface of catalysts. Most studies only concern themselves with the active portion of the catalyst bed; in this study, we examine both the active part and the part that experiences equilibrated gas after reaction. The extent and nature of carbonaceous deposits on both sections of catalyst have been characterised by TPO and reveal that there is significant deposition of low H:C ratio carbonaceous species on catalyst that has only seen equilibrated reaction gas. This has potential implications for the life of the catalyst bed and the activity and selectivity observed.