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Visualizing reacting single atoms in chemical reactions: Advancing the frontiers of materials research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 July 2015

Edward D. Boyes  and
Pratibha L. Gai
Edward D. Boyes
Affiliation:
University of York; ed.boyes@york.ac.uk
Pratibha L. Gai
Affiliation:
University of York; pratibha.gai@york.ac.uk
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Abstract

Heterogeneous gas–solid catalyst reactions occur at the atomic level, and understanding and controlling complex catalytic reactions at this level is crucial for the development of improved processes and materials. There are postulations that single atoms and very small clusters can act as primary active sites in chemical reactions. Early applications of our novel aberration-corrected (AC) environmental (scanning) transmission electron microscope (E(S)TEM) with single-atom resolution are described. This instrument combines, for the first time, controlled operating temperatures and a continuous gas environment around the sample with full AC STEM capabilities for real-time in situ analysis and visualization of single atoms and clusters in nanoparticle catalysis. ESTEM imaging and analysis in controlled gas and temperature environments can provide unique insights into catalytic reaction pathways that may involve metastable intermediate states. Benefits include new knowledge and more environmentally friendly technological processes for health care and renewable energy as well as improved or replacement mainstream technologies in the chemical and energy industries.

Keywords

Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)catalyticnanostructurechemical reaction
Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Bulletin , Volume 40 , Issue 7: 2D layered transition-metal dichalcogenides , July 2015 , pp. 600 - 609
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2015 

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