Electron microtomography: A new method for studying the spatial structure of catalysts

The spatial arrangement of active component (Pt) particles on the surface of a support (Sibunit globule) has been studied by bright-field electron tomography. A tomographic attachment for a standard specimen holder and tomographic grids have been designed. The tomographic procedure has been refined, and adequate tilt series alignment and tomographic reconstruction algorithms have been chosen. The 3D distribution of the active component in the catalyst grain has been studied: particles hidden in micropores have been directly observed, and the size of the pores connecting internal cavities with the exterior has been estimated.