01.03.2017
15 minutes of reading
Special issue: Focus on SOLEIL for catalysis
SOLEIL synchrotron is a large scale research infrastructure located on the Plateau de Saclay near Paris, designed to give scientists access to advanced experimental tools using synchrotron radiation, from infrared to X-rays. These instruments include multimodal and multiscale structural and spectroscopic methods, with three-dimensional imaging and time-resolved operation down to a picosecond.
Experiments at Synchrotron SOLEIL deal with a wide range of topics and are supported by in-house research that develops the most relevant methods for the users. Building strong collaborative partnerships, such as the one with IFPEN since 2012, is a way for SOLEIL to increase its impact. Starting with a collaboration around catalysis and X-ray absorption, this partnership has proven to be exemplary. It has been extended to include new methods and themes, bringing even more benefits to both parties.
This issue takes a look at some key results concerning catalysts stemming from this productive collaboration that has just been renewed. The aim is now to make even more progress in strategic areas central to the energy transition.
Jean Daillant, Director General of SOLEIL
Characterizing catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch: a question of SWING
Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is a catalytic process to produce hydrocarbons from a syngas, which could come from biomass.
Infrared and SOLEIL: good vibrations under the microscope
Improving the reactional performance of a catalytic material (obtained by applying an active phase onto oxide grains) requires a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the rea
ROCK sets the rhythm for catalyst activation
The development of more efficient hydrotreatment catalysts, based on molybdenum (Mo), requires advanced characterization methods that allow materials to be studied in conditions that
Surface characterization at the right TEMPO
The value of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) resides in its capacity to supply information on the surface elementary composition (a few nm) and the chemical environment of t
Boehmite rhapsody! Controlled precipitation
Transition aluminasa, widely used as catalyst supports, play a key role in numerous refining processes.
Extrusion: playing the SAXS for success!
Alumina, the archetypal material used for hydrotreatment catalyst supports, has a porous structure at supramolecular scales, determining the transport of oil feeds within it.