Neutron scattering studies of heterogeneous catalysis

Yu, X. et al. (2023) Neutron scattering studies of heterogeneous catalysis. Chemical Reviews, 123(13), pp. 8638-8700. (doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00101) (PMID:37315192)

Abstract

Understanding the structural dynamics/evolution of catalysts and the related surface chemistry is essential for establishing structure–catalysis relationships, where spectroscopic and scattering tools play a crucial role. Among many such tools, neutron scattering, though less-known, has a unique power for investigating catalytic phenomena. Since neutrons interact with the nuclei of matter, the neutron–nucleon interaction provides unique information on light elements (mainly hydrogen), neighboring elements, and isotopes, which are complementary to X-ray and photon-based techniques. Neutron vibrational spectroscopy has been the most utilized neutron scattering approach for heterogeneous catalysis research by providing chemical information on surface/bulk species (mostly H-containing) and reaction chemistry. Neutron diffraction and quasielastic neutron scattering can also supply important information on catalyst structures and dynamics of surface species. Other neutron approaches, such as small angle neutron scattering and neutron imaging, have been much less used but still give distinctive catalytic information. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in neutron scattering investigations of heterogeneous catalysis, focusing on surface adsorbates, reaction mechanisms, and catalyst structural changes revealed by neutron spectroscopy, diffraction, quasielastic neutron scattering, and other neutron techniques. Perspectives are also provided on the challenges and future opportunities in neutron scattering studies of heterogeneous catalysis.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lennon, Professor David

Creator Roles

Lennon, D.: Conceptualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Yu, X., Cheng, Y., Li, Y., Polo-Garzon, F., Liu, J., Mamontov, E., Li, M., Lennon, D., Parker, S. F., Ramirez-Cuesta, A. J., and Wu, Z.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Journal Name: Chemical Reviews
• Publisher: American Chemical Society
• ISSN: 0009-2665
• ISSN (Online): 1520-6890
• Published Online: 14 June 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Chemical Reviews 123(13):8638-8700
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license