Catalysis in Focus: A Journey from Gas Phase to Surface

This presentation examines heterogeneous catalysis under realistic conditions by integrating spatially resolved gas-phase and surface-sensitive diagnostics. Using CO oxidation on palladium as a model system, the work highlights how catalytic activity is governed by the interplay between surface chemistry, gas-phase transport, and dynamic structural changes. Planar laser-induced fluorescence, surface optical reflectance, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy are combined to identify phases, ignition behavior, and feedback mechanisms. Studies on polycrystalline samples further enable orientation-resolved activity mapping, bridging idealized and technical catalyst systems.