Advanced visualization strategies bridge the multidimensional complexity of technical catalysts

This review examines the application of state-of-the-art visualization approaches to unlock the inner complexity of technical catalysts. Designed for implementation in industrial reactors, these scaled up forms often differ markedly in structure, composition, porosity, and performance from the powdered bulk or supported active phases (research catalysts) from which they are derived. The ability to detect and correlate alterations in the active surface at the atomic level with the superimposed effects of distribution and mass transfer within multicomponent technical bodies is essential to fully comprehend their macroscopic function. After introducing the implications and practicalities of catalyst scale up, we review the range of powerful microscopic, spectroscopic, and tomographic methods which can be applied to gain space and time-resolved insight into their chemical, physical, mechanical, and catalytic properties over multiple length scales. Through recent examples, we illustrate how advanced visualization strategies can aid the technical development of new or improved heterogeneous catalysts.