Mapping metal catalysts using synchrotron computed microtomography (CMT) and micro X-ray fluorescence (μXRF)

Heterogeneous catalyst assemblies are typically used in the gas-to-liquid conversion reactions. An in-depth characterization of catalytic materials is needed to design the next generation catalyst. CMT and μXRF techniques are complementary techniques that allow mapping of catalyst constituents. The application of synchrotron based X-ray techniques to the study of hydrotreating and polyethylene polymerization catalyst was presented. Ni-Mo hydrotreating catalysts made nondestructive sections through used and unused catalysts. The used catalyst showed evidence for an increase of the linear x-ray attenuation coefficient at the periphery of the particle and an increase in the amount of porosity in the interior of the particle when compared to the section through the unused particle. The versatility of the CMT technique allowed monitoring of changes in the catalyst composition before and after the F-T reaction. The application of the present state-of- the-art methods is of great importance on GTL processes.