Photoelectron spectroscopy of catalytic oxide materials

Photoelectron Spectroscopy is a popular tool to characterize the surface electronic properties of catalytic materials. In this chapter, after briefly reviewing the basic principles of the technique, we will critically analysis the literature of selected areas of metal oxide catalysis, in which Photoelectron Spectroscopy plays a crucial role. These include dehydrogenation, oxidative dehydrogenation and selective oxidation reactions. Special attention will be paid to vanadium-based oxide materials. Furthermore the advantage of in situ experimentation will be highlighted; this allows us to study surface properties under catalytic condition