Catalysis by oxides

Crystallographic shear is an elegant structural transformation mechanism in oxides. We now address one of the most fundamental issues in heterogeneous catalysis by oxides the formation and the role of CS planes in oxidation catalysis. 

In summary, alkali promotion of supported metal catalysts is an interesting subject that does have important technological implications in those cases where the presence of alkali has a pivotal influence on the surface chemistry of the metal phase. Fundamental studies of such systems are certainly justified. However, we should maintain a sense of proportion. Alkalis find relatively limited use as promoters in practical catalysis—indeed in some cases they act as powerful poisons. And we should not lose sight of the fact that what is actually present at the surface of the working catalyst is not an alkali metal, but some kind of alkali surface compound. This chapter deals with the application of alkali promoters to catalysis by metals, as opposed to catalysis by oxides, and, in particular, the technique of electrochemical promotion (EP), which enables us to address some pertinent issues. 

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