The development of operando spectroscopic methods and controlled catalyst preparation are both essential tools in understanding the complex properties of catalysts. Heterogeneous catalysts, for example supported metal nanoparticles, are exceedingly dynamic and although unconsumed by the process of catalysis they adapt to the evolving chemical environment. Elsewhere, the chemical steps involved within catalyst preparation – be it impregnation, sol‑immobilisation, or mechanochemical methods – have a significant impact on catalytic properties. This presentation will summarise findings from the last decade of collaborative work within the UK Catalysis Hub that has used advanced X-ray based techniques, e.g. X-ray absorption spectroscopy, to follow these structural changes and how they have been used to better understand catalytic processes.
Biography
Peter Wells joined the University of Southampton in August 2016 as Lecturer of Inorganic Chemistry, a joint appointment with Diamond Light Source, and was promoted to Associate Professor in March 2019. Before for taking up this role, Peter worked for University College London, and was based full time at the Research Complex at Harwell (RCaH) establishing a new national catalysis initiative, which later evolved into the EPSRC UK Catalysis Hub.
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