Scientists from Finden, Yara International ASA and University College London investigated how the microstructure of copper changes in a type of catalyst that is widely used in an industrial process called the water-gas shift reaction.
The researchers used X-ray diffraction and in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) at Diamond to measure the evolution of the microstructure under different hydrogen partial pressures and in the presence or absence of a cesium promoter during thermal activation.
The findings could be useful for improving the efficiency and lifetime of low-temperature water-gas shift catalysts.