HERFD XAS/ATR-FTIR batch reactor cell

Abstract

An autoclave reactor was modified to perform simultaneously high energy resolution fluorescence detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy (HERFD XAS) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy measurements without altering the reactor design. This operando cell allows one to follow changes in the electronic and geometric structure of the catalyst with HERFD XAS and relate them to the simultaneously detected activity and reaction species with ATR-FTIR formed during the reaction in the liquid phase. The capability of the cell is demonstrated by two studies. The first shows the reduction of Au/CeO₂ precursors in different solvents. The second shows that mainly Au⁰ is present in the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene over Au/CeO₂.