High resolution,in-situ controlled atmosphere transmission electron microscopy (CATEM) of heterogeneous catalysts

A catalyst has been imaged with lattice resolution whilst surrounded by flowing gas, using a specially constructed in-situ cell for an electron microscope. This advancement demonstrates the feasibility of directly studying atomic rearrangements in catalysts and catalyst supports under reaction conditions by electron microscopy. Such studies show promise of providing a detailed understanding of the mechanisms involved in certain types of heterogeneous catalyst.