By alexandreCommunication

In-situ real-time neutron imaging of gaseous H2 adsorption and D2 exchange on carbon-supported Pd catalysts

In-situ real-time neutron imaging of gaseous H2 adsorption and D2 exchange on carbon-supported Pd catalysts

Neutron imaging has emerged as a powerful technique for studying the dynamics of gas adsorption and exchange on catalyst surfaces. In this study, we utilize in-situ real-time neutron imaging to investigate the adsorption and exchange processes of gaseous hydrogen (H2) and deuterium (D2) on carbon-supported palladium (Pd) catalysts. The goal is to gain insights into the mechanisms governing these reactions, which can help in the development of more efficient catalysts for hydrogen storage and fuel cell applications.

The use of carbon-supported Pd catalysts is motivated by their high catalytic activity and stability. However, the understanding of the hydrogen adsorption and exchange processes on such catalysts is still limited. Real-time neutron imaging provides a unique opportunity to directly observe the structural and dynamic changes that occur during these processes, providing valuable information for catalyst design and optimization.

Adsorption of gaseous H2 on carbon-supported Pd catalysts

By subjecting the carbon-supported Pd catalysts to a flow of gaseous H2 and imaging them with neutrons in real-time, we can observe the adsorption process in detail. Neutrons have excellent penetrating power and sensitivity to hydrogen atoms, making them ideal for studying hydrogen adsorption on Pd catalysts. Our experiments reveal that the adsorption of gaseous H2 on carbon-supported Pd catalysts is a complex process involving multiple steps.

Initially, the H2 molecules diffuse through the carbon support and reach the Pd particles. Upon reaching the Pd particles, the H2 molecules undergo dissociation, forming atomic hydrogen (H) which diffuses into the Pd lattice. The adsorption process continues until saturation is reached, at which point no further adsorption occurs. Real-time neutron imaging allows us to visualize these steps and quantify the extent of adsorption at different stages of the process.

In addition to providing insights into the adsorption kinetics, neutron imaging also allows us to study the spatial distribution of adsorbed hydrogen on the Pd catalyst surface. This information can be used to better understand the factors influencing the catalytic activity and selectivity of the catalyst, enabling the design of improved materials for hydrogen storage and fuel cell applications.

D2 exchange on carbon-supported Pd catalysts

Once the adsorption process has been studied, we can investigate the behavior of deuterium (D2) on the carbon-supported Pd catalysts. Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen that is commonly used in tracer studies to probe reaction mechanisms. By replacing H2 with D2 in our experiments, we can track the exchange reactions between D2 and H atoms on the catalyst surface.

Real-time neutron imaging allows us to observe the migration of deuterium atoms within the Pd lattice during the exchange process. These migration pathways provide valuable insights into the mechanism of hydrogen exchange, which is crucial for understanding the reactivity of the catalyst and its suitability for various applications. The ability to directly visualize and quantify these processes in real-time offers unprecedented opportunities for catalyst design and optimization.

In conclusion, in-situ real-time neutron imaging provides a powerful tool for studying the adsorption and exchange processes of gaseous H2 and D2 on carbon-supported Pd catalysts. By visualizing the structural and dynamic changes that occur during these reactions, we can gain valuable insights into their mechanisms. This knowledge can be used to develop more efficient catalysts for hydrogen storage and fuel cell applications, contributing to the transition towards a sustainable and clean energy future.