In situ electron microscopy technique probes catalysis at atomic level

DuPont Central R&D senior research associates Pratibha L. Gai and Edward D. Boyes have developed an in situ technique for atomic-scale direct probing of interactions between gas molecules and solid surfaces. The technique enables detection of real-time changes in composition, transient species and crystallographic phase. It is being used to develop commercial catalytic systems and is also providing more insights on surface structure and its influence in catalysis.