Three-dimensional probing of catalyst ageing on different length scales: A case study of changes in microstructure and activity for CO oxidation of a Pt-Pd/Al2O3 catalyst

In the present study the effects of thermal treatment on the microstructure of a Pt-Pd/Al2O3 oxidation catalyst and its activity for CO oxidation have been studied. The microstructural analysis was performed using several high-resolution electron microscopy techniques like STEM, FIB/SEM slice & view, SEM and EDX. A combination of these analysis techniques and advanced TEM specimen preparation allowed for three-dimensional probing at different length scales avoiding the random character of conventionally crushed powder specimens due to site specificity. A core-shell distribution of Pt-Pd nanoparticles within the alumina support particles, with enlarged nanoparticles (≈ 1.5 to 40 nm) being present in the shell and small nanoparticles