Heterogeneous Catalysis Unit
THE UNIT IN 2017
The Heterogeneous Catalysis Unit provides support to Institute researchers working in heterogeneous catalysis (gas phase reactions catalysed by solids). Other research lines involving solids characterization, from a chemical and a physical point of view and on-line analysis of gases can also benefit from the Unit. State-of-the-art techniques for catalyst characterization and testing are available to carry out both conventional experiments and advanced applications that are developed in collaboration with the research groups or other research units.
In 2017, the use of the Electronic Paramagnetic Ressonance spectrometer (EPR), acquired the year before, was consolidated. The number of samples measured by EPR in 2017 (69 samples) doubled those carried out in 2016.
Both mass spectrometers to measure inline gases had a high demand. The Unit participated in the setup of an in situ X-ray diffraction measurement that implied the connection of the mass spectrometer at the end of the reaction.
During 2017, the use of the physisorption/chemisorption device (Autosorb) increased by 36% compared to the previous year.
The use of the unit by groups not exclusively dedicated to Heterogeneous catalysis continues to grow.