In-situ spatially resolved techniques for the investigation of packed bed catalytic reactors: Current status and future outlook of Spaci-FB

Over the past two decades a large effort has been dedicated to the development and optimization of techniques aimed at resolving the evolution of the chemistry within structured catalysts such as monoliths or foams under operando conditions. This approach, known as spatial resolution, is a powerful tool in the unravelling of complex reaction networks, as well as kinetic characterization. The most recent developments have been made at providing such spatial resolution at the early stages of the catalyst development, i.e., when the catalyst is still in its powdered form. Techniques aimed at providing spatial resolutions of the gas composition, of structural information, and of adsorbate distributions via X-ray and vibrational-based spectroscopies, respectively, are developing rapidly. The ability to simultaneously operate these spatially resolved approaches has the potential of providing a powerful platform for reaction mechanism investigations. Herein, we discuss and evaluate the development of a spatially resolved technique for powdered catalysts developed at Queen's University Belfast, namely the Spaci-FB. Furthermore, some aims and aspirations for further evolution of spatially resolved techniques are presented.