Catalysis at KIT Light Source

Synchrotron radiation based techniques have evolved as key speciation methods in catalysis research, especially with respect to in-situ and in-operando X-ray based characterization techniques as a basis for a rational design of heterogeneous catalysts. Knowledge of oxidation state and coordination environment of the catalytically active centers, nanoparticle morphology etc. contributed significantly to a deeper understanding of heterogeneously catalyzed reactions and serves today as a basis for the design of new catalysts and for first-principles kinetic modeling. The beamline design places emphasis on in situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) in terms of X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) and Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) in a photon energy range from 5 keV up to 60 keV. These techniques are combined with X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared Spectroscopy and other correlative spectroscopic methods. Special infrastructure for catalytic studies under reaction conditions in gas phase, liquid phase and at elevated pressure has been built up.

Cooperationen

•Technical University of Denmark

•Universität Wuppertal

•Leibnitz-Institut für Katalyse

•Boreskov Institute of Catalysis

•Technische Universität Hamburg

•Fritz-Haber-Institut

•University of Cape Town

•Synchrotron radiation sources: KIT Light Source, PETRA III, ESRF, SOLEIL, SLS, MAXLAB, NSLS, APS

The research is carried out in close cooperation with the Institute of Technical Chemistry and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP). Further information can be found at www.itcp.kit.edu/grunwaldt.