Catalytic in situ studies
Prof. Angelika Brückner
Highly effective catalyst design based on a rational approach beyond trial and error requires authentic knowledge on relations between the structural features of catalysts and their role in catalytic reactions on a molecular basis. Such direct insight can only be obtained by analyzign the catalytists while they are working, that means under condition as close as possible to those applied in the true catalytic process.
Research topics in the department are focused on development, adaptation and use of different physico-chemical methods for monitoring catalysts during different catalytic reactions with on-line detection of catalytic activity/selectivity (operando spectroscopy) in gas-solid, gas-liquid, liquid-solid and gas-liquid-solid systems as well as during different steps of catalyst synthesis (in situ spectroscopy).
Special attention is dedicated to simultaneous couplings of several operando methods. This does not only save time and money but, first of all, widens the wealth of accessible information and reduces errors that may arise from different experimental conditions in differently designed reaction cells.
By integrated evaluation of the variety of results, detailed knowledge on the mode of catalyst operation shall be obtained, which may form the basis for improved synthesis strategies.
Currently the department comprises two research groups which focus on the following topics:
- Optical spectroscopy and thermal-analytical methods (Dr. Ursula Bentrup)
- Magnetic resonance and X-ray methods (Prof. Angelika Brückner)
