Evolution of Hierarchically Porous Nickel Alumina Catalysts Studied by X-Ray Ptychography.
Sebastian WeberAna DiazMirko HollerAndreas SchroppMikhail LyubomirskiyKen L AbelMaik KahntArno JerominSatishkumar KulkarniThomas Florian KellerRoger GläserThomas L SheppardPublished in: Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) (2022)
The synthesis of hierarchically porous materials usually requires complex experimental procedures, often based around extensive trial and error approaches. One common synthesis strategy is the sol-gel method, although the relation between synthesis parameters, material structure and function has not been widely explored. Here, in situ 2D hard X-ray ptychography (XRP) and 3D ptychographic X-ray computed tomography (PXCT) are applied to monitor the development of hierarchical porosity in Ni/Al 2 O 3 and Al 2 O 3 catalysts with connected meso- and macropore networks. In situ XRP allows to follow textural changes of a dried gel Ni/Al 2 O 3 sample as a function of temperature during calcination, activation and CO 2 methanation reaction. Complementary PXCT studies on dried gel particles of Ni/Al 2 O 3 and Al 2 O 3 provide quantitative information on pore structure, size distribution, and shape with 3D spatial resolution approaching 50 nm, while identical particles are imaged ex situ before and after calcination. The X-ray imaging results are correlated with N 2 -sorption, Hg porosimetry and He pycnometry pore characterization. Hard X-ray nanotomography is highlighted to derive fine structural details including tortuosity, branching nodes, and closed pores, which are relevant in understanding transport phenomena during chemical reactions. XRP and PXCT are enabling technologies to understand complex synthesis pathways of porous materials.
Keyphrases
- high resolution
- metal organic framework
- dual energy
- computed tomography
- transition metal
- electron microscopy
- magnetic resonance imaging
- mass spectrometry
- clinical trial
- study protocol
- air pollution
- randomized controlled trial
- image quality
- squamous cell carcinoma
- risk assessment
- magnetic resonance
- wound healing
- social media
- positron emission tomography
- early stage
- radiation therapy
- rectal cancer
- phase iii
- electron transfer
- sentinel lymph node
- light emitting