A pilot plant reactor-surface analysis system for catalyst studies

A system has been constructed which allows combined studies of reaction kinetics and catalysts surface properties. Key elements of the system are a computer-controlled pilot plant with a plug flow reactor coupled in series to a minireactor which is connected, via a high vacuum sample transfer system, to a surface analysis instrument equipped with XPS, AES, SAM, and SIMS. When interesting kinetic data observed, the reaction is stopped and the test sample is transferred from minireactor to the surface analysis chamber. Unique features and problem areas of this new approach will be discussed. The power of the system will be illustrated with a study of surface chemical changes of CuO/ZnO/Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ catalyst during activation and methanol synthesis. Metallic Cu was identified by XPS as the only Cu surface site during methanol synthesis