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The ReactorAFM: non-contact atomic force microscope operating under high-pressure and high-temperature catalytic
S B Roobol1, M E Cañas-Ventura1, M Bergman1
1Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9504, RA Leiden 2300, The Netherlands.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|April 3, 2015
Summary
This study integrates Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) into a high-pressure reactor for in-situ observation of catalytic reactions. The novel setup allows imaging of model catalysts under industrial-like conditions, bridging the pressure gap.
Area of Science:
- Surface Science
- Catalysis
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Heterogeneous catalytic reactions are crucial in industrial processes.
- Observing catalysts under reaction conditions is challenging due to the 'pressure gap'.
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) offers high-resolution surface imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate an integrated Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) system within a miniature high-pressure flow reactor.
- To enable in-situ observation of heterogeneous catalytic reactions under industrially relevant conditions.
- To bridge the 'pressure gap' and 'materials gap' in catalyst studies.
Main Methods:
- Integration of an AFM with a high-pressure (up to 6 bar) flow reactor.
- Operation at elevated temperatures (up to 600 K).
- Coupling with mass spectrometry for activity measurements and Ultrahigh Vacuum (UHV) for sample preparation/characterization.
Main Results:
- Successful in-situ imaging of supported palladium nanoparticles under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions.
- Demonstration of the system's capability to observe catalytic processes like CO oxidation.
- Validation of the instrument's ability to bridge the pressure and materials gaps.
Conclusions:
- The developed AFM-integrated high-pressure reactor enables direct observation of catalytic phenomena under realistic process conditions.
- This approach provides unprecedented insights into heterogeneous catalysis.
- The instrument facilitates the study of model catalysts, advancing catalyst design and understanding.
