Developing soft X-ray spectroscopy for in situ characterization of nanocatalysts in catalytic reactions

Understanding the mechanisms of catalytic and reactions calls for in situ/operando spectroscopic characterization. Here we report the developments of in situ reaction cells at the Advanced Light Source for soft X-ray spectroscopic studies of nanoparticle catalysts during the catalytic reactions. The operation of these various cells and their capabilities are illustrated with examples from the studies of Co-based nanocatalysts.